Q: I am a disabled retiree, under age 65 with Medicare Parts A & B. My under-65 disabled friend, also a city retiree, has only Part A. Can we join one of the medical plans that cost $7.50 and $5 per person? What about medical coverage for our dependents not on Medicare? If I don’t like the plan, can I re-enroll in the HMO?

A: The Medicare Advantage plans are for Medicare-covered employees, retirees and their dependents, regardless of age, who have Parts A & B, are covered under a city medical plan, live in the plans’ service area and do not have end-stage renal disease.

You may join a Medicare Advantage plan on the first of any month. Your friend can join after he is covered under Medicare Part B. Your friend may apply for Part B during Medicare’s General Enrollment, January – March. Coverage will become effective July 1.

Both of you may keep your dependents covered under the HMO or PPO medical plan. You may re-enroll in the HMO or PPO during open enrollment in the spring of 2006; coverage will be effective May 1. In the future, you may re-enroll on Jan. 1 or May 1.