COLUMBUS – The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is available to help
people assess their options during Medicare’s Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 annual enrollment period for coverage to
begin Jan. 1, 2014.OSHIIP is Medicare’s free, designated and impartial educational program in Ohio for
beneficiaries, family members and health care professionals."Open enrollment provides Ohioans with a
great opportunity to review coverage and benefits and identify the plan best suited to meet their unique
needs," said Mary Taylor, lieutenant governor and Ohio Department of Insurance director. "Our
staff can help consumers and their families go through the evaluation process as they select a plan for
2014."OSHIIP helped nearly 40,000 Ohioans save an OSHIIP record $5.5 million during last year’s annual
enrollment period. Prior to the start of this year’s open enrollment period, OSHIIP has already helped
Ohioans with Medicare save $9 million since the beginning of 2013.Taylor urges Ohioans to contact OSHIIP
with their Medicare questions and for assistance. In addition, OSHIIP is holding free "Medicare
Check-up" events in every county to help people review changes to Medicare and determine their most
suitable coverage options. Wood County’s event was held in September. A full list of check-up events is
available at www.insurance.ohio.gov.Taylor said when reviewing options, people should ensure a plan’s list
of covered drugs includes their needed prescriptions and to consider the convenience of having pharmacies in
their network near where they live. It’s also important to take into account all out-of-pocket expenses
before making a decision.She cautions Ohioans to watch for predatory sales practices and offers that seem
too good to be true. If you suspect wrongdoing or have been victimized, call the Department’s fraud and
enforcement hotline at 1-800-686-1527.Those with Medicare questions and in need of enrollment assistance can
call OSHIIP at 1-800-686-1578. A Medicare Check-up and Annual Enrollment Toolkit, which includes a plans
listing and outreach schedule, is available at www.insurance.ohio.gov. Ohioans can also find OSHIIP on
Facebook. Information is also available by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and visiting
www.medicare.gov.