Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15. What you need to know in Indiana.

The open enrollment period for Medicare begins Sunday, Oct. 15, and there are several ways to find free counseling and assistance in Indiana.

This is the time of year when those who have Medicare can make changes to their health and prescription drug plans for the next year.

When is Medicare's Open Enrollment period?

Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7.

What can I do during Open Enrollment?

If you're already enrolled in Medicare, you can make changes to your coverage.

That can include switching from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage and vice versa; from one Medicare Advantage plan to another; from one Medicare prescription drug plan to another.

You can enroll for the first time in a Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plan, also known as Part D, even if you've been eligible for some time, though you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

When do my changes take effect?

Changes begin Jan. 1.

How can I get help?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program has more than 75 local sites in Indiana, where you can talk with a counselor for free in person, by phone or virtually. This is a federally funded program. Find a site near you at in.gov/ship/find-an-indiana-ship-location/ or call 800-452-4800.

You can also compare various Medicare plans side-by-side at www.medicare.gov.

What if I miss open enrollment?

You'll be automatically re-enrolled in the plan you have now.

If you already have a Medicare Advantage plan, however, there's an extra time period to either change that plan or go back to Original Medicare. That time period is from Jan. 1 to March 31.

What should I watch for in the mail?

Look out for important letters from your insurance company, Social Security and Medicare.

If your insurance is making any changes to your co-pays or premiums, they should send you a letter this month. Social Security or Medicare may send letters if there are things you need to do to maintain your eligibility for state and federal assistance programs.

Medicare tips: The right Medicare plan selection during AEP is key to good health. Tools to consider

Contact IndyStar state government and politics reporter Kayla Dwyer at kdwyer@indystar.com or follow her on Twitter @kayla_dwyer17.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Medicare Open Enrollment begins Oct. 15. What you need to know in Indiana.