AUGUSTA -- Federal officials visited the state Monday to remind Medicare-eligible Mainers to check their prescription drug coverage to make sure it's the most appropriate and affordable of the 46 plans available.

"Plans change, you change. Shop and compare," said Tevi D. Troy, a deputy secretary of Health and Human Services.

In 2006, prescription drug coverage for brand-name and generic medicine was added to traditional Medicare coverage. Since then, 60 percent of people with Medicare in Maine have enrolled in a program.

Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, those enrolled can change their plan to best reflect their current needs.

Troy said plans sometimes change, along with the health-care needs of those enrolled in the program. "Just because you made this decision last year doesn't mean you won't want to change this year," he said.

Carol Maloof, acting regional administrator in the Boston Medicare office, said rules have tightened to try to prevent companies from aggressively marketing particular prescription drug plans.

In addition to a "secret shopper" program, the federal government does not allow marketers to offer free meals, make unsolicited calls to the home, or approach people in health-care settings. "A free meal is a red flag," she said.

Troy said health-care consumers need to take an active role in working to keep their own costs down.

Of the plans offered in Maine, three have premiums that cost less than $25 a month.

"There may be a plan that works better for you given your situation," he said.

Susan Cover -- 620-7015

scover@centralmaine.com