The Ohio Department of Insurance's Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), CMS and SSA are working together to enroll approximately 200,000 limited income Ohioans into the new prescription drug coverage program, which begins January 1, 2006, by mailing notices regarding their eligibility. The new coverage replaces the prescription drug discount card program. Beneficiaries who do not qualify for the extra financial assistance are still eligible for Medicare's drug coverage. The initial open enrollment period begins November 15, 2005 and lasts until May 15, 2006. OSHIIP offers free counseling and information to Ohioans regarding Medicare's coverage at 1.800.686.1578.