Medicare open enrollment begins Thursday

Thursday will mark the first day of the Medicare open enrollment period, which allows qualified beneficiaries to change their Part D prescription drug plans as well as Medicare Advantage plans.

The enrollment period, which runs through Dec. 7, also presents an opportunity to enroll in a plan for the first time.

Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri (CLAIM) will host a free counseling event in Cape Girardeau to help beneficiaries with enrollment. The event will be from 10 a.m. to noon Oct. 21 at the Cape Girardeau Senior Center, 921 N. Clark Ave.

Spaces are limited at the event, so reservations are encouraged. More information is available by calling (573) 651-5467.

CLAIM is Missouri's State Health Insurance Assistance Program and was created to provide free, unbiased counseling for Medicare-related questions and issues. The CLAIM program is funded by the state and a federal grant and trains local volunteers to answer questions about Medicare.

Pertinent address:

921 N. Clark Ave., Cape Girardeau, Mo.