In Michigan, November 15 is known as the first day for hunting deer with guns, but across America the date has taken on a different significance for senior citizens as the opening of the season to sign up for the Medicare prescription drug coverage.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, said prescription drug program has proven to be very popular with seniors, including 1.3 million Michigan seniors among the more than 34 million nationwide receiving prescription drug coverage of the popular plan.

“The Medicare prescription drug benefit enjoys widespread popularity among Michigan seniors,” Rogers said. “Surveys continue to show that 80 percent of Medicare beneficiaries like the prescription drug coverage which is saving seniors and average of $1,200 a year.”

The open season to sign up as a new participant or to switch to a new plan is from November 15 until December 31.

Rogers said that seniors needing assistance with the prescription drug coverage sign-up process may compare 2009 plans at http://www.medicare.gov or at 1-800-MEDICARE. Assistance is also available from staff in Rogers’ Lansing office at 1-866-333-6453 or 517-702-8000.