The annual open enrollment for Medicare and the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program in the Oregon Health Insurance Marketplace is now open through Dec. 7.

Medicare is health insurance for people 65 years or older or younger than 65 with Social Security Disability Income. People living in Oregon who are 65 years or older may be eligible to sign up and find health insurance that best meets their needs. Medicare covers medical costs, including visits to the doctor, prescription medications, and preventive care such as mammograms, colonoscopies, diabetes treatment, and blood pressure screenings.

Medicare annual enrollment for 2020 benefits runs through Dec. 7. Enroll in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan (Part D) for the first time or make changes between these dates so coverage begins without interruption on Jan. 1. There is also an extended Medicare Advantage open enrollment period from Jan. 1 to March 31, 2020. Participants must be enrolled in a Medicare advantage plan to use this extended open enrollment period to make any changes.

Free information and help is available by calling 800-722-4134 or visiting shiba.oregon.gov.