Time is running out for seniors to make changes to their Medicare coverage for 2013.
Consumers have until Dec. 7 to enroll in the optional plans or switch coverage. Changes are effective Jan. 1.
The Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program is offering free help during Medicare Check-Up Days in every county.
The last event in the Akron area will take place at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Twinsburg Senior Center, 10260 Ravenna Road.
Counseling to provide individual help selecting a plan will be available after the presentation from noon to 3 p.m. Call 330-963-8722 to schedule an appointment.
The nearly 2 million Ohio residents covered by Medicare can select from among 33 Medicare prescription drug plans, also known as Medicare Part D plans.
Dozens of Medicare Advantage managed-care plans also are available that provide help paying for doctor visits, hospital stays and other medical services.
The Medicare Part D prescription drug plans are offered statewide; the Medicare Advantage managed-care plans vary by county.
Both types of plans are available — but not required — for everyone covered by Medicare, the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older and some younger disabled Americans.
For those who can’t attend Wednesday’s event, help is available by calling the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 800-686-1578 or visiting www.insurance.ohio.gov.
The Medicare program also provides personalized assistance by calling 800-633-4227 or going online to the site at www.medicare.gov.
Free health event
Win prizes while learning about your health during the Let’s Make a Deal Game from 1 to 2 p.m. Thursday at the Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls.
Fruit pizza and coffee will be served.
Event sponsors include Gardens of Western Reserve, Crossroads Hospice, Altercare and Visiting Angels Home.
Reservations are required by calling the Quirk Cultural Center at 330-971-8425.
Free oral cancer screening
Mercy Cancer Center is offering free oral cancer screenings from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 12 at Mercy Dental Services, located on the second floor of the Canton hospital’s surgery and cancer center building.
Registration is required by calling Mercy’s Healthcare Connection at 330-489-1333 or 800-223-8662.
Cheryl Powell can be reached at 330-996-3902 or cpowell@thebeaconjournal.com. Follow Powell on Twitter at twitter.com/abjcherylpowell.