The first phase of the act called for eligible beneficiaries to sign up for a Medicare prescription drug discount card, which they could present at participating pharmacies to save money on medication between June 2004 and the end of this year. In Utah, 20,000 people signed up for the discount cards and another 4,500 took advantage of a $600 transitional benefit for low-income seniors and those with disabilities.

The second phase is the permanent drug benefit program discussed Thursday, which is similar to private health plans and includes a $37 monthly premium, $250 deductible and $3 to $5 copayments on prescription drugs.

For those living at 135 percent below the federal poverty level (about $12,000 for individuals and $17,000 for a couple), there will be no monthly premium or deductible.

"For low-income individuals, it's a very, very good deal," Trujillo said. "And those are the folks we're trying to reach out to."

The initial enrollment period begins Nov. 15, and participants have until Dec. 31 to choose one of several options for coverage. If they do not choose by then, the government will randomly assign them to a program to avoid an interruption in benefits, Trujillo said.

Beginning in October, the federal government will roll out a massive media campaign to inform the public about the upcoming changes. Utah officials will make similar outreach efforts, Deily said, with the formation of a statewide coalition that includes the Utah Division of Aging and Adult Services and the American Association of Retired Persons that will meet one-on-one with individuals to walk them through the new program and aid with the application process.

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E-mail: awelling@desnews.com