OSHIIP is the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program. OSHIIP is a program of the Ohio Department of Insurance. Free health information and services are provided for people on Medicare.

This year marks the first time the annual enrollment period starts a full month earlier on Oct. 15, and ends three weeks earlier on Dec. 7. The dates were changed to avoid most of the end-of-the-year holidays and allow plan sponsors to get enrollment packets and new coverage cards to beneficiaries before January. It also gives Medicare beneficiaries an extra week to consider and select the Medicare option best for them in 2012.

Dunlap Community Hospital will be hosting a Medicare Check-up Event on Thursday, Nov. 3 in the Community Room. An educational presentation will be held from 10 a.m. to noon, followed by individual counseling from noon to 3 p.m. OSHIIP counselors will be available on-site to provide free assistance.

To make an appointment for the counseling session in the afternoon, call Kim Ady at Dunlap Community Hospital at 330-684-4700, ext. 110, or Colleen Baker at Brenn-Field Nursing Center at 330-683-4075, ext. 2048. No appointment is needed for the morning session.