Friday is the deadline to enroll in Medicare Part D - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Seniors looking to enroll in Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan offered by Medicare, have until Friday to do so.  More than half of the people enrolled in Medicare receive prescription drug coverage through Medicare Part D.  December 7th is the deadline to sign up for the plan or switch to the plan.  People can do that by logging on to  www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-Medicare.  Anyone who is eligible for Medicare is able join a Medicare prescription drug plan to help pay for prescription drug costs.

"Under the healthcare reform law there have been some changes. One of the biggest  changes is that now the so called donut hole is being filled in.  So, people with medicare can save money on their branded medications," said Matt Eyles, Coventry Health Care's vice president of Public Affairs.

In 2011, enrollees who reached the gap got a 50%t discount on brand name drugs and subsidies for generic medications.  Medicare will phase in additional subsidies for brand name drugs beginning in 2013.