Congressman Adam Putnam is reminding constituents of the 12^th Congressional District that they have until the end of the year to make changes to their Medicare health or prescription plans. Medicare’s Open-Enrollment season runs from November 15 through December 31.

“Now is the time for anyone who is eligible for Medicare to review their options and to make sure they are in a plan that meets their budget and their needs,” said Putnam.  “Many plans change their benefits and their prices from year to year, so even if you are happy with your current plan, it’s important to make sure it will continue to meet your needs in 2010.”

All Medicare beneficiaries should be receiving in the mail a copy of a booklet entitled Medicare & You 2010, which explains the various options available. An electronic copy of the booklet and additional pricing information is online at the Medicare Web site: www.medicare.gov. There are approximately 137,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Florida’s 12^th Congressional District and more than 3.2 million statewide.

Beneficiaries and their family members can receive expert advice from Medicare and from the Florida Department of Elder Affairs insurance assistance program SHINE.  In addition Putnam is sending information to subscribers of his electronic newsletter and is planning to host at least one Medicare seminar in December.

Since 2001, Putnam has represented Florida’s 12^th Congressional District, which includes most of Polk County and portions of Hillsborough and Osceola counties.