Dear Judy: When can I start getting coverage for the Medicare prescription drug plan? It would help pay these high bills. Thank you for your answer.

Answer: You can sign up three months before the month you reach age 65. It is different if you are eligible for Medicare because you are eligible for Social Security disability benefits. The disabled can join from three months before to three months after the 25th month of cash disability payments.

If you do not sign up when you are first eligible, you may have to pay a penalty and your next opportunity to join will be from Nov. 15, 2008, to Dec. 31, 2008.

Dear Judy: Can you tell those of us who are close to 65 and are starting Medicare coverage what the Medicare prescription drug plan covers? Does the drug plan also pay for generic drugs?

The Medicare prescription drug plans require that you pay a monthly premium, which varies according to the plan you chose. You will also pay a part of the cost of your prescriptions, which is the copayment. The costs vary depending on which drug plan you choose.

The plan you decide to enroll in is very important since some plans may offer more coverage and additional drugs for higher monthly premiums. If you have limited income and resources, and you qualify for extra help, you may not have to pay a premium or deductible.

Medicare prescription drug coverage helps enrollees pay unexpected high drug expenses.

Even if you do not use a lot of prescription drugs now, you should consider signing up. Most of us need prescription drugs to stay healthy as we age. Also, you need to consider the many illnesses our aging bodies may get in the future. For most seniors, joining a Medicare drug plan gives some relief from the worry of needing drugs that are expensive in the future.

Dear Judy: Are generic drugs a good choice or should we get the brand name drugs? Is there a big difference? They are much cheaper.

Answer: They certainly are much cheaper. The place to go to for the answer to this question is the Food and Drug Administration — FDA. The FDA states that generic drugs are the same as brand name drugs in safety, strength, quality, and the way they work. Generic drugs use the same active ingredients as brand name drugs and have the same affect.

Generic drug makers must prove to the FDA that their product performs the same way as brand name drugs. So, save yourself some money and ask for generic drugs when they are available.

Send your questions to judybenge@bellsouth.net.