To say Medicare Part D is complicated is an understatement.

The federal government’s prescription drug insurance program offers 52 plans in Kansas. In 2008, many of the plans’ monthly premiums will increase – some by as much as 159 percent. And others will decrease.

To help sort it out and answer questions, Paula Haisch, Lawrence counselor with Senior Health Insurance Counseling of Kansas, is having a public meeting at 1 p.m. Friday at the Lawrence Senior Center’s community room, 745 Vt. It is open to the public.

Douglas County Senior Services also is offering free counseling sessions to assist senior citizens and their caregivers with enrollment. Seniors need to bring their Medicare card and a list of prescriptions to counseling sessions.

Sessions will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the senior center on these days: Nov. 15-16, Nov. 19-21, Nov. 26-28, and Dec. 3-5.

Sessions also will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 29 at Signal Ridge Villas in Baldwin City and from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at Eudora Public Library in Eudora.