Dear Minnesota Seniors,

Medicare open enrollment is a brief time during the year when Medicare beneficiaries can switch their plans and make sure that the plan they are enrolled in is the best one available for themselves and their families.

If you or or someone you know is on Medicare, you have a limited opportunity right now to review your benefit plan and make sure it's the best choice for you and your family. The Medicare open enrollment period is the only time you can change plans, and this year, it lasts for seven weeks–from October 15 to December 7. If you have traditional Medicare benefits through Part B, or if you get your coverage from a Medicare Advantage Plan through Part C, you can change your plan or move from one to the other. You can also change your prescription drug plan in Part D.

For more details about the Medicare open enrollment period, including links to Medicare resources and hotlines, you can go to my website.

You deserve to enjoy your retirement. You worked hard for years; now your Medicare should work for you. I'll continue fighting to protect the Medicare program in Congress. It's up to you to make sure you have the Medicare coverage that's right for you and your family.

Senator Al Franken