QUESTION: When is the open season period for enrolling in Medicare's prescription drug program?ANSWER: Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan, should begin now.The open season runs from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.Keep in mind that the Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications.Joining is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. Some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for "extra help" to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments.The extra help is worth an average of $3,900 per year. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.gov and click on Medicare at the top right side of the page.

QUESTION: I'm thinking about getting disability protection from a private company. If I become disabled and have a private policy, would it reduce my Social Security disability benefit?ANSWER: No. Your eligibility for Social Security disability benefits is not affected by any private insurance you may have.But, you may be interested to know that workers' compensation and certain other public disability payments may affect your Social Security benefit.For more information go to www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).This column was prepared by the Social Security Administration. For fast answers to specific Social Security questions, contact Social Security toll-free at 800-772-1213.