Medicare Open Enrollment Virtual Town Hall Sept. 29

The Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) hosts a free, virtual town hall 10-11am on Tuesday, Sept. 29, to help Ohioans prepare for upcoming Medicare open enrollment and launch OSHIIP’s in-person and virtual statewide Medicare Checkup events. OSHIIP is a program of the Ohio Department of Insurance (ODI) and the state’s official resource for unbiased Medicare information and counseling.

An ODI press release states that participants in the town hall and checkup events will learn about Medicare changes for 2027, how to compare options and select coverage, including for Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans, manage out-of-pocket costs and financial assistance programs, and get tips to avoid fraud and marketing and sales misrepresentation during open enrollment that runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

OSHIIP is hosting Medicare Checkup webinars on Oct. 13 and Nov. 13. Visit insurance.ohio.gov to register for the town hall and virtual events, and to see a listing of presentations at sites nearest you.

With yearly changes in plans, the ODI release states that it is essential for Ohioans to review the annual notice of change document from their current health insurance plan as well as benefits, costs, coverage details, and provider networks when comparison shopping to ensure an adequate coverage fit. Medicare’s 2027 plan information will be available on Oct. 1 at Medicare.gov.

Just as crucial is staying alert for Medicare scams and misleading marketing and sales practices. Ohioans should watch for fake Medicare messages asking for personal or financial information. Medicare never calls to sell products or enroll you unless you contacted them first. Do not share personal and financial information with anyone who reaches out unexpectedly. Report high‑pressure or misleading insurance sales practices to the Ohio Department of Insurance at 800‑686‑1527 or at insurance.ohio.gov.

Ohioans can find the statewide Medicare Checkup events schedule, virtual education options, and one-on-one counseling appointment information at insurance.ohio.gov. OSHIIP representatives are also available at 800-686-1578 and oshiipmail@insurance.ohio.gov.