NEW YORK (CNN/Money) - Tomorrow seniors can begin signing up for Medicare's drug benefit plan. Whether you're eligible for benefits or your parents are, you may be looking for direction because the choices are overwhelming.

In today's five tips, we'll share ideas and resources that will make the process easier.

First off, understand that you have until May of 2006 to actually enroll in the program.

That should give you plenty of time to evaluate the many options available, with some states offering as many as 20 plans.

Another reason to not to move quickly: Providers have been tweaking their options as they see what competitors are offering on the government's website at www.medicare.gov.

Wait until the dust settles before signing up.

While new drug coverage options will benefit many seniors, some will be better off with what they have now.

If you or your parents were in the military and have drug coverage from the Veterans Affairs health system or the TriCare Program for Retirees, they probably don't need coverage because their benefits are better than what the Medicare Drug benefit is offering.

If your parents already have coverage through a current or ex-employer, they will be getting a letter from their employer that will indicate if the Medicare benefit program is better or equivalent to the plan they already have.

The new program is best used by the many seniors who make less than $19,000 a year because Uncle Sam will pick up most of your drug tab.

If your parents have a Medigap policy that includes some drug coverage, it's going to be beneficial to enroll in a new program, says Steve Findlay of Consumer Reports.

Check with the local Social Security Administration office to see if they qualify.

More than 60 percent of seniors say they don't understand the options.

If you're helping mom and dad evaluate the choices, educate yourself at the website for the Coalition To Advance Prescription Drug Education at www.carxe.org.

You can also log ontowww.consumersunion.org to learn about the available options, download an AARP booklet at www.aarp.org/bulletin or check out www.medicarerights.org.

For seniors who like to surf the web, there are sites specifically geared to them.

These include www.golmedicare.org, which helps seniors navigate around the medicare.gov website by taking people right to the Medicare's Prescription Drug Plan Finder page. The site also uses larger type and basic lessons on Internet use.

When it comes to choosing a drug plan, seniors tend to go with the familiar. They trust the advice of friends, doctors or pharmacists.

To add that personal touch, check out your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP. These SHIPs will dish out free counseling and assistance either through the telephone or in one-on-one sessions and public education programs.

You can be referred to your state's SHIP by contacting (800) 677-1116 and asking for health insurance counseling or log onto www.shiptalk.org to find your local counselor.

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The AARP says drug prices are rising higher than inflation. Click here for more.

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