ATLANTA - The Georgia Department of Human Services stands ready to assist older Georgians making decisions about Medicare health and prescription drug plans during this year's Medicare open enrollment period.

The enrollment period for Medicare, which serves millions of older Americans, will open Oct. 15 and end Dec. 7.

The GeorgiaCares program, administered through the Department's Division of Aging Services (DAS), is available now through the end of the enrollment period to help Georgians make informed decisions about Medicare health and prescription drug plans.

GeorgiaCares is the name for Georgia's federally funded State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). The program provides free, unbiased, one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, friends and caregivers as they seek to create personalized coverage solutions and understand changes in their current plans.

“Understanding your options and making decisions about your medical coverage can be overwhelming, but choosing a Medicare plan is an important decision for the future of your health care,” DAS Director Abby Cox said. “GeorgiaCares is available to help all Georgia Medicare beneficiaries understand their options so they can make an informed decision about the future of their health care coverage.”

Counselors are available statewide to assist with Medicare questions and offer personalized counseling through the program's toll-free help line at 866-552-4464. Callers seeking Medicare counseling should choose Option 4.

Georgians can also compare plans at www.Medicare.gov, call 800-Medicare (800-633-4227) or visit www.mygeorgiacares.org to learn more.

For more information about GeorgiaCares and other services available to older Georgians and their families, visit the DHS Division of Aging Services at www.aging.ga.gov or call (866) 552-4464.