Open enrollment for Medicare starts October 15

Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15 through December 7, 2015. This enrollment period is one of the few times Medicare beneficiaries can change, enroll into or disenroll from, a Medicare Advantage Plan (such as an HMO) or a Part D drug plan. Changes to plans will be effective January 1, 2016.

"Studies show that Medicare beneficiaries who review their plan's changes and other 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 with the El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP).

Three free public workshops will be conducted by HICAP in October to help Medicare enrollees understand coverage options for 2016:

Monday, October 19, 2015, at 12:30 p.m. at the South Lake Tahoe Senior Center, 3050 Lake Tahoe Blvd., South Lake Tahoe

Wednesday, October 21, 2015, at 1:30 p.m. at the Placerville Senior Center, 937 Spring Street, Placerville

Friday, October 23, 2015, at 9:30 a.m. at the El Dorado Hills Senior Center, 990 Lassen Lane, El Dorado Hills

In addition to the October workshops, HICAP provides free, individual counseling services in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe during the year. To make an appointment, call (530) 621-6369. There are a limited number of appointments.

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 www.edcgov.us/humanservices.