Public workshops for Medicare open enrollment and 2018 updates

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7, 2017. This enrollment period is one of the few times Medicare beneficiaries can change, enroll into or dis-enroll from, a Part D drug plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO). Changes to plans are effective January 1, 2018.

"Studies show that Medicare beneficiaries who review their plan's changes and coverage options are more likely to save money and find a plan best suited to their needs compared to those who simply stay with the same plan each year," said Rhoda Slagle, Regional Coordinator of the El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

Three free, one-hour public workshops will be conducted by HICAP in October 2017 to help Medicare enrollees understand coverage options in 2018:

- Tuesday, October 24, 2017, at 1:30 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville

- Thursday, October 26, 2017, at 10:00 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills

- Tuesday, October 31, 2017, at 1:00 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe

In addition to the October workshops, HICAP provides free, individual counseling regarding Medicare throughout the year in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe. To make an appointment with HICAP, call (530) 621-6369. A limited number of appointments are available.

HICAP is a nonprofit organization that gives free, unbiased information and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries; the organization is not affiliated with any insurance company. HICAP works in partnership with the senior programs of the El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency. For information about additional senior services in El Dorado County, please visit https://www.edcgov.us/SeniorService.aspx.