By Rep. Kristi Noem

Every year when the weather turns colder, South Dakotans get excited for the annual events that are hallmarks of our American heritage such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Another less prominent but very important annual event is the Medicare Open Enrollment Period. Running from October 15 through December 7, the open enrollment period is an opportunity for those on Medicare to decide whether they need to change their plan or prescription drug coverage.

My grandmother is on Medicare, so I have firsthand knowledge of the questions that often arise about Medicare and the open enrollment process. It is important that seniors know there are places they can go to get help.

Here in South Dakota, there is a program called Senior Health Information and Insurance Education, or SHIINE. Its purpose is to help seniors with their Medicare benefits, particularly during the open enrollment period. In fact, SHIINE has over 300 volunteers and partners standing ready to answer questions during the open enrollment period. To get in touch with a SHIINE representative, South Dakotans can call 1-800-536-8197.

Additionally, I have four offices located across South Dakota that stand ready to help you, and the numbers and contact information for those offices can be found on my website at Noem.house.gov. My staff can help answer questions on Medicare and the open enrollment process, as well as provide assistance regarding Social Security, veterans benefits or other issues South Dakotans may be having with the federal government.

I encourage all South Dakotans on Medicare to take a look at their plan, compare their options and make choices that best fit their needs.

Rep. Kristi Noem is South Dakota’s lone U.S. Representative, elected in November 2010. She serves on the Agriculture, Education and Workforce and Natural Resources Committees.