A campaign to create heightened awareness and consumer education in anticipation of the Medicare Open Enrollment period is being prepared by the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance.

"Fall Open Enrollment occurs from October 15 to December 7 of every year, a time when millions of consumers focus on their Medicare plan," explains Jesse Slome, director of the American Association for Medicare Supplement Insurance (AAMSI).   The organization connects consumers with local Medicare insurance agents via an online Zip Code-based directory.

"Consumers have questions and want to know their options and Open Enrollment is an ideal time to connect with a local specialist who can provide the information you need to make a good decision," Slome noted.

The organization will mount an awareness campaign to provide consumers with helpful generic information.  "We do not sell Medicare insurance or favor one solution over another," Slome added.  "We do advocate for relevant and current information and that will be what we strive to provide as part of this year's effort."

Slome suggests consumers who want to know their options start by identifying a Medicare insurance professional who you can trust.  "Today, some sell over the telephone and Internet and that's fine," Slome shares.  "Or, if you'd like to speak with someone locally, and perhaps meet face-to-face, then the Association's Find A Local Medicare Agent online directory is your best option."  The free directory lists hundreds of Medicare Supplement insurance agents and does not require the user to enter any personal data to access the listing.

The Fall Open Enrollment runs from October 15 through December 7 in 2017 with any new coverage starting January 1, 20187.   "Even if you are satisfied with your current Medicare coverage, Open Enrollment is a good time to look at other Medicare options in your area and compare them with your present coverage to see which plan will best suit your needs in the upcoming year," Slome suggests.

To help consumers seeking local Medicare Supplement insurance agents, the Association makes available the only free national directory exclusively listing local Medigap agents.   Visit www.medicaresupp.org for more information.