Only a few days remain for Medicare enrollees to make choices about their benefits for next year.  Dec. 7 is the last day of Medicare’s annual open enrollment period.

During annual open enrollment, persons receiving Medicare can renew with their current plan, change to a new plan, join for the first time, or disenroll from all coverage.

Beneficiaries with non-Medicare coverage, such as SeniorCare, Veterans or employer/retiree plans, may also need to review their coverage for 2014 to see if it still meets their needs.

Medicare beneficiaries received a large booklet, “Medicare and You 2014,” earlier this fall, which provided information on changes in all aspects of Medicare for next year.  This booklet also included lists of the drug and health plans available.  Each person also received a notice from their current plan in early October announcing the plan’s changes for 2014.

For assistance with health care choices, contact Medicare 24 hours a day at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).  Medicare has also provides a plan comparison tool and enrollment on their website at www.medicare.gov.  Local Aging and Disability Resource Centers may also offer assistance.  In Vernon County, call 608-637-5397.