PORTSMOUTH — Are you a Medicare beneficiary? Want to learn more about the recent changes to Medicare? Want to find out more information about how the Medicare Annual Coordinated Election Period can work for you? Want to stay informed, healthy and save money?

If so, then mark your calendars for an upcoming Medicare Check-Up Day that will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. at the Area Agency on Aging District 7’s Portsmouth Office, located at 1644 11th Street, within the Portsmouth Square Shopping Center.

The free event is made possible by the Ohio Department of Insurance’s Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP), which is traveling the state to help Ohioans, family members and caregivers understand the different Medicare coverage options and available financial assistance, and to provide assistance with plan selection.

Medicare’s Annual Coordinated Election Period starts Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31.

During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can evaluate their current coverage and make the determination on whether they should switch to a plan that will better support their needs.

Attending the event in Portsmouth on December 1st will also provide individuals with tips on how to enroll for 2011 coverage in a Medicare prescription drug plan (Part D) and/or a Medicare health plan. Beneficiaries may qualify to save an average of $3,900 on prescription drug costs and OSHIIP representatives will be on hand to help determine the qualification requirements for individuals.

Those on Medicare are strongly encouraged to attend the session, which will provide helpful information and assistance.

Those who wish to attend are asked to bring a list of their prescription drugs, dosages and preferred pharmacy, as well as any information on pension, VA or other medical care benefits they are receiving for help in comparing plans for 2011.

For more information about the Medicare Check-Up Day, call OHSIIP toll-free at 1-800-686-1578, Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. Those with Medicare questions can also contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

A complete listing of available Part D and Medicare Advantage plans is available at www.medicare.gov.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY 1-888-270-1550). Here, individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs.

Information is also available on www.aaa7.org.