The enrollment period for Medicare plans starts Monday, Oct. 15 and ends Friday, Dec. 7. Idaho's insurance department says seniors should start reviewing plans now.

The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or SHIBA, office of the Idaho Department of Insurance is available to help beneficiaries understand Medicare coverage options. Call (800) 247-4422 to talk to an adviser.

"Some consumers have received letters from their plan carriers about Medicare coverage changes," said Department Director Bill Deal. "If you have an agent, please contact that individual with your questions about these changes. Otherwise, contact a SHIBA counselor for assistance."

Medicare members who received letters telling them their plans are being terminated have up to two months after the plan's end date to enroll in a new one. But a choice must be made by Dec. 31, or the insurance coverage will revert to Original Medicare without prescription drug benefits.

SHIBA offers counseling not only to seniors but to Medicare members who are disabled and under age 65.