The Medicare open enrollment period begins Oct. 15 and RSVP volunteers from the APPRISE program are preparing to educate recipients and new consumers of their Medicare and health coverage choice options. Counselors will be at Montgomery County Senior Adult Activities Center (Montco SAAC) every Tuesday through the open enrollment period to meet with seniors by appointment.

The open enrollment period offers beneficiaries the option of keeping or changing Medicare coverage. It also offers Medicare plans the opportunity to change coverage, as well as their lists of doctors or medications. At this time it is especially important to check the changes to your plan and make sure it is still the best plan for you.

In addition to their understanding of Medicare complexities, APPRISE volunteers have been trained to enter a senior’s doctors names and prescription medications into a computer. The computer then prints out a list of Medicare plans that cover all or some of the patient’s needs. APPRISE volunteers also provide information on Medicare Supplement programs, part D plans and Medicare Savings Plans (for low income seniors.)

To make an private appointment with an APPRISE counselor at Montco SAAC call 610-275-1960. Or for a general unbiased informational seminar drop by at 2 p.m. on Oct. 11 and get the APPRISE overview of Medicare.