Are you new to Medicare? Are you confused? Do you feel unsure in making your choices about Medicare drug plans or supplements? SHIIP can help you clear up the confusion.

The Rowan County office of the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) will offer two Medicare seminars this fall, hosted by the Rufty-Holmes Senior Center.

These programs will be held at 7 p.m. on two dates — Thursday, Sept. 29, and Tuesday, Oct. 25. You can sign up for either by calling Rufty-Holmes at 704-216-7714.

The seminars will take a basic look at Medicare, how it works and the different parts of coverage. The information will be aimed at anyone who is new to Medicare, or who will be eligible in the next few months.

The seminars will cover Medicare Parts A, B, D, Advantage Plans and supplements, as well as the special money-saving Preventive Services that Medicare can offer to consumers and how to keep your Medicare card number safe.

SHIIP is a division of the N.C. Department of Insurance, and provides unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling by trained volunteers to help consumers decide about drug plans and supplements. Counselors can also discuss options that might provide extra financial assistance in paying for medications.

The Rowan County SHIIP office schedules Medicare counseling all year long. These services are offered at no cost to the client, but appointments are required.

Call the Rowan County SHIIP coordinators Steve Simpson or Susan Davis at 704-216-7704 or 7703 to schedule an appointment.