COLUMBUS – The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) is holding free Medicare Check-up Day on-site events in the region through the 2022 Medicare open enrollment period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

In Richland County, this will take place on Nov. 5. It will be an in-person presentation at 10 a.m. Area Agency on Aging, 2131 Park Ave. West in Ontario.

The events help educate participants about Medicare basics, coverage options, and financial assistance programs.

OSHIIP, a division of the Ohio Department of Insurance, helps Ohioans understand Medicare and determine the best coverage options for their healthcare needs and budget. Coverage and cost evaluation is imperative because Medicare plans can change from year to year.

Medicare 2022 plan information is available at www.medicare.gov. During Medicare open enrollment, Ohioans can:

Determine if their existing coverage will continue to meet their health insurance needs.

Stay on Original Medicare and shop for a stand-alone Part D prescription drug plan.

Select a Medicare Advantage plan, which provides comprehensive health benefits, typically including prescription drug coverage.

Utilize certain financial assistance programs.

OSHIIP’s remaining regional on-site events schedule (locations may have mask and social distancing guidelines):

Nov. 4 – Cuyahoga County: In-person counseling by appointment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fairview Senior Center, 20769 Lorain Rd in Fairview Park. Call 440-356-4437 to schedule an appointment.

Nov. 9 – Cuyahoga County: In-person counseling by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Strongsville Senior Center, 18100 Royalton Rd. in Strongsville. Call 440-580-3276 to schedule an appointment.

Nov. 18 – Summit County: In-person counseling by appointment from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Twinsburg Senior Center, 10260 Ravenna Rd. in Twinsburg. Call 330-963-8722 to schedule an appointment.

Dec. 2 – Lorain County: In-person counseling by appointment from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Avon Senior Center, 36786 Detroit Rd. in Avon. Call 440-934-4217 to schedule an appointment.

In addition to on-site events, which are subject to change or cancellation, OSHIIP is holding virtual Medicare Check-up Day webinars on Mondays until Nov. 29. The list of remaining webinars, which are on Mondays (register at www.insurance.ohio.gov):

Nov. 1: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Nov. 8: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 15: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Nov. 22: 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 29: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

For a full outreach schedule and event registration, visit www.insurance.ohio.gov. OSHIIP staff is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1-800-686-1578 and OSHIIPmail@insurance.ohio.gov to provide assistance.

Ohioans on Medicare can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week for Medicare help.