In general, the benefit will mean different things to different seniors depending on their health and income. But there’s no doubt that Part D will help low-income seniors.

“But the government could have done a better job of explaining things,” said Turk, who needed help finding her way through the blizzard of forms.

She had received written notification from the Human Resources Department, but believed she still needed guidance from the benefits division. She called a representative who explained her options.

Turk realized her Medicare Advantage plan offered a better value than the new Medicare Part D.

“I was relieved I could stay with TexanPlus,” Turk said. “I already had a good drug benefit, and (starting Jan. 1) my premiums are dropping to $5 a month.”

Katherine Beeler, a retiree from Public Works & Engineering, came to a similar conclusion.

“The forms kept coming. I didn’t understand what they wanted from me. I’m diabetic and have to be careful which plan I’m on,” said Beeler, who elected to stay with a Medicare Advantage plan.

Delores Quinn, a widowed dependent enrolled in the city’s HMO, said she was almost overwhelmed by the platoon of insurance reps patrolling her pharmacy.

“They handed me so many forms, I didn’t know what I was supposed to do,” said Quinn, 69. “I was under the impression they were going to make me join Part D.”

After talking with a benefits administrator, Quinn learned that she was not obligated to enroll.

Enrollment in Part D is voluntary.

“Right now, I’m thinking of changing to one of the city’s Advantage plans,” Quinn said.

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