Help is on the way for seniors needing to decipher the latest change in Medicare drug benefits, which has been called the biggest expansion of the program in 40 years.

Officials have set up a series of forums to explain the complicated rules that affect both generic and brand-name drugs. And one of the biggest hurdles is overcoming the misconception that the change only affects low-income seniors, said Jack Cheevers, director of communications for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid region that includes Hawai'i.

"Your income level is immaterial," Cheevers said. "People who are either turning 65 this year or older are eligible. In fact, everybody who's eligible for Medicare is eligible, such as some disabled people. ... The confusion comes in because there is also a subsidy for low-income people to pay your premium, deductible or any co-pays."

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid estimates that 186,157 people in Hawai'i are eligible for the upcoming prescription drug benefit — with 134,774 on O'ahu alone.

Registration runs from Nov. 15 through May 15. The plan goes into effect Jan. 1.

The amount of information can be overwhelming in trying to figure out whether the plan benefits particular people, said Mary Rydell, Pacific area representative for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

"Yes it can be challenging, but there are places you can go for help," Rydell said. "Please ask because (we) don't want you to go without something that could really benefit you. We don't want you to be so challenged and confused that you just throw up your hands and walk away."

Next week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, AARP Hawaii, the Social Security Administration, Hawai'i State Health Insurance Assistance Program and U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka's office have set up two forums to explain the drug benefits on Maui and in Honolulu.

On Tuesday, the Social Security Administration and Hawai'i State Health Insurance Assistance Program will provide brochures about the drug benefit program and applications at Kmart stores throughout the Islands as part of a national "Kmart Day," said Suzie Anderson, area work-incentives coordinator for the Social Security Administration.

HELP ON THE WAY

For help understanding the new Medicare prescription drug benefit:

MONDAY

Maui Economic Opportunity in Wailuku

99 Mahalani St., Classrooms 1 and 2

9:30 to 11 a.m.

TUESDAY

Pacific Beach Hotel in Waikiki

2490 Kalakaua Ave.

9 to 11:30 a.m.

Kmart stores (all Tuesday)

O'AHU: