Here’s the good news. The government says the lowest premium for a prescription drug plan is $13, down from $19 last year. More plans – 32 now, versus 24 – with zero-deductibles are available. More drugs are covered, and more assistance plans for the “coverage gap” and low-income assistance exist.

The bad news? It’s all part of Medicare Part D, the daunting federal prescription drug program that starts its new enrollment period Nov. 15.

In 2005, the introduction of Medicare Part D was slogged by its complexity and questionable computing. Consolidating Medicare and Medicaid rolls into the single Part D plan, officials said, hurt Part D’s image and implementation. This year, they want that to change.

That’s why the New England administrator for Medicare, Dr. Charlotte Yeh, is touring the region to tout, explain, and encourage people to start their Part D “homework” sooner, not later. Unlike 2005, Part D’s enrollment window is only six weeks, not six months, and ends promptly on Dec. 31.

More than a quarter-million Mainers receive Medicare, with approximately 35,000 in Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties.

Officials, like Yeh, say they’ve tried to make Part D more user-friendly, a mandate after last year’s confusion. The plan, for the uninitiated, is still confusing, but those receiving the benefits today can take heart: if your plan is working for you, then there’s little need to change.

For others, though, there’s still time for Part D boot camp. There are 3,000 Mainers, as well, who need to pay special attention, according to Yeh, because their income has changed from 2005 to 2006, and they are no longer eligible for certain income-assistance programs.

If you fall into this group, said Yeh, its imperative to apply early for a new subsidy program.

If it all sounds puzzling, well, you’re not alone. To its credit, the federal government has established a workable Web site – www.medicare.gov – and a toll-free number – 1-800-MEDICARE – for help. For most Part D beneficiaries, however, there’s no Web site or number that replaces one-on-one help.

That’s where local hospitals and agencies pick up the slack.

On Monday, Nov. 6, at 1 p.m., Central Maine Medical Center will hold an educational workshop on Medicare Part D. Registration is required, and the number is 1-800-564-4555.

SeniorsPlus in Lewiston held Part D workshops in October, said Terri Bernier, the organization’s elder services coordinator. But, she said, SeniorsPlus is open to having more prior to Nov. 15 for interested groups. After then, SeniorsPlus will shift to one-on-one Part D counseling, in person or by telephone.

To contact SeniorsPlus in Lewiston or Norway, call 1-800-427-1241. For Wilton, call 1-888-234-3921.

Yeh said the ideal date for Medicare Part D enrollment is Dec. 8., to avoid any last-minute calamities.

It’s worthwhile advice. Whether Medicare Part D is good news or bad news is irrelevant, compared to what should be the best news for program beneficiaries: getting it out of the way.