Your health needs change from year to year, and the benefits and costs of your health plan may change each year, too.

That’s why it’s important to evaluate your Medicare choices. The Annual Election Period is the one time of year when all people with Medicare can see what new benefits Medicare has to offer and make changes to their coverage.

There’s never been a better time to check out Medicare coverage. There are new benefits available for all people with Medicare, whether you choose Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, including lower prescription costs, wellness visits and preventive care. Take advantage of the Annual Election Period, and you may be able to save money, improve your coverage or both.

The Annual Election Period starts on Oct.15—and lasts seven full weeks—to give you enough time to review and make changes to your coverage. Also, you will need to make your final selection for next year’s Medicare coverage by Dec. 7. This will ensure that Medicare has enough time to process your choice so your coverage can begin without interruption on Jan.1.

It’s worth it to take the time to review and compare, but you don’t have to do it alone. Remember that representatives from Medicare and SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, are available to help.

• Visit www.medicare.gov/find-a-plan to compare your current coverage with all of the options that are available in your area, and enroll in a new plan if you decide to make a change.

• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours a day, seven days a week, to find out more about your coverage options. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.

• Review the Medicare & You 2012 handbook. It is mailed to people with Medicare in September.

• Get one-on-one help from SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, by calling 1-800-443-9354, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Ashe County Senior Center will be hosting a Medicare Open Enrollment Kick-Off Event at 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4.

Senior Center Director Louise Caudill will be speaking to educate the public on the new open enrollment dates and Medicare plans for North Carolina citizens. SHIIP Medicare counselors and

local pharmacists will be available for Medicare questions. Ashe County Sheriff Department will be doing a drug drop for the public. This is a free event and is open to the public.

Light refreshments will be provided. For more information call 246-4347

Medicare assistance is also available Monday-Friday at the senior center, located on ChattyRob Lane off Ray Taylor Road in West Jefferson. Call to make an appointment.

SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance and can assist anyone with questions about Medicare Part D coverage information and enrollment. Trained SHIIP counselors are available for one-on-one counseling appointments in all 100 North Carolina counties. For more information, contact SHIIP at 1-800-443-9354 or visit www.ncshiip.com.