Prepare for open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7

SEPT. 29 MEDIA RELEASE__Representatives from the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) are hosting a free, virtual town hall on Oct. 2 at 10 a.m. to help Ohioans prepare for the upcoming Medicare open enrollment period and officially launch OSHIIP's in-person and virtual statewide Medicare Checkup events. OSHIIP is a program of the Ohio Department of Insurance.

Participants during the town hall, similar to the Medicare Checkup events, will learn about Medicare changes for 2026, how to compare options and select coverage, including for prescription drug plans, ways to save money, and tips to avoid Medicare fraud and sales misrepresentation during open enrollment, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

Visit www.insurance.ohio.gov to register for the town hall, access the Medicare Checkup event and webinar schedules, and book virtual counseling. At the events, before Oct. 15 the focus is on educational presentations, while after the enrollment period starts, personalized plan comparisons and individual counseling will be available.

With annual changes in plans, it is essential for Ohioans to review benefits, costs, coverage details, and provider networks. Medicare’s 2026 plan information will be available on Oct. 1 at medicare.gov.

OSHIIP representatives can also be reached at 800-686-1578 and [email protected].