To the editor: Gene Moore (Oct. 31) did a great service by declaring that even he was confused by the 2006 edition of `` Medicare and You.'' This is a confusing and misleading `` explanation'' of the new Medicare system. I want to point out one big pitfall and one solution.

One of the most practical sections is the lists of local plans. But there are two lists which look alike and have the same title but the difference is critical. They expect you to remember and understand what you read on page 30 and following and on page 39 ff.

The main point is that the list on pages 94A to 94M is a list of Medicare Advantage Plans. These are mostly HMOs..

They are not just drug plans. If you join them you will be giving up the Medicare you have always known. This is what the current administration would prefer that you do.

The other list on pages 97A to 97K is a list of Medicare Prescription Drug plans. These pay only for drugs and you will keep your traditional Medicare for all other medial care. You can still keep your own choice of doctors. Are you still confused? You should be. One of the best bits of advice in the book is that you call your State Health Insurance Program. What they don't say is that in Massachusetts we call our excellent similar program SHINE. The best way to get an appointment with SHINE is through your local senior center. Don't wait though. They are going to be very busy.

Also note that if you are going to be getting extra low income help you too will need to select one of these plans or else be assigned to one which may or may not be right for you. That extra help is really the best thing about this new Medicare, but you too must know exactly what you are doing.

Thanks Gene for reassuring us that we are not alone in our confusion. Be sure though that these are important decisions.

Sterling Alam, Attleboro