General information about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program will be available to Linn County residents during special public information meetings on Tuesday, Nov. 8 at the Albany Senior Center, Thursday, Nov. 10 at the Lebanon Senior Center and Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Sweet Home Senior Center.

The meetings, sponsored by RSVP and the Linn County Senior Health Information Benefits Assistance (SHIBA), will begin at 2 p.m. Admission is free and area senior citizens, family members and those who work with the senior population are encouraged to attend.

The meeting will offer an overview of the new federal drug program under Medicare, which begins Jan. 1, 2006. The new drug program represents the biggest change in Medicare since 1965.

SHIBA volunteers will outline eligibility for the new program and offer unbiased information on how individuals can prepare for enrollment, scheduled to begin on Nov. 15. Also offered will be information on where local residents can receive additional information and assistance.

Pre-registration is requested for the meetings. To register, call the Albany Senior Center at 917-7760, the Lebanon Senior Center at 258-4919 and the Sweet Home Senior Center at 367-4775.