The annual election period for people on Medicare begins next month, and SHIIP — the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program — can help consumers evaluate their choices.

Your health needs change from year to year, and the benefits and costs of health plans may change each year, too.

The annual election period is the one time of year when all people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2016.

Those who take advantage of the election period may be able to save money, improve coverage, or both.

The annual election period starts on Oct. 15 and lasts until Dec. 7, giving enrollees enough time to review and make changes to their Medicare coverage. Any changes would take effect on Jan. 1.

The Rowan County SHIIP office is based at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, 1120 Martin Luther King Jr. Ave. S. Counselors can help clients review or change their current health plans.

The advice is free and unbiased, but appointments are required. The office usually sees 400 to 500 seniors during the election period.

To set an appointment, call SHIIP at 704-216-7704 or 704-216-7703.

SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance, which offers free and unbiased information about Medicare. In addition to helping consumers compare and enroll in plans during the annual election period, SHIIP counselors can help clients find out if they might be eligible for Medicare cost savings programs.

To contact the state SHIIP office, call 1-855-408-1212, or go to: www.ncshiip.com