Mark your calendars for an upcoming Medicare presentation that will be offered on Tuesday, Oct. 20 at 11:30 a.m. at the Highland County Senior Center, located at 185 Muntz St. in Hillsboro.

The Area Agency on Aging District 7, which covers 1- counties in southern Ohio including Highland, encourages Medicare beneficiaries to attend this important and helpful event.

The free event is made possible by the Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), which is traveling the state to help Ohioans, family members and caregivers understand the different Medicare coverage options and possible financial assistance. Medicare’s Annual Coordinated Election Period starts Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can evaluate their current coverage and make the determination on whether they should switch to a plan that will better support their needs.

Attending the event will also provide individuals with tips on how to enroll for 2016 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan. Beneficiaries may qualify to save an average of $4,000 on prescription drug costs and OSHIIP representatives will be on hand to help determine the qualification requirements for individuals.

Those on Medicare are strongly encouraged to attend the event, which will provide helpful information and assistance and provide an opportunity to speak with someone in more detail about Medicare benefits in addition to having any questions or concerns answered.

For more information about the event or questions about Medicare, call the Area Agency on Aging District 7 toll-free at 1-800-582-7277, extension 250, or OSHIIP toll-free at 1-800-686-1578.

Submitted by Jenni Dovyak-Lewis, director of community outreach and training, Area Agency on Aging District 7.