The El Dorado County Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program is offering free assistance to all Medicare beneficiaries in El Dorado County during Medicare’s Annual Election Period, which starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.

During the Annual Election Period, also called open enrollment, people with Medicare can join, dis-enroll from, or change a Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan, with changes taking effect Jan. 1. According to HICAP staff, it’s a good idea for people to re-evaluate their Medicare plans during the AEP, since drug formularies, premiums, and other out-of-pocket costs can change every year.

HICAP is a nonprofit organization that provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. Anyone who would like advice or help changing or joining a Part D or Medicare Advantage plan should call now to schedule an appointment during the AEP. Beneficiaries are encouraged to bring with them one bottle of each of their prescription drugs, or a detailed list of each drug including dosage and frequency of use.

To schedule a free HICAP appointment, call HICAP at 530-621-6369. People who are turning 65 or are new to Medicare, or those needing assistance with other Medicare issues are welcome to make an appointment any time during the year. Counseling sites are located in Placerville, El Dorado Hills and South Lake Tahoe.

For information about other senior programs and services in El Dorado County, visit http://www.edcgov.us/humanservices.