Medicare open enrollment: what beneficiaries in South Carolina need to know

Crystal Strong, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Senior Medicare Patrol program director at the South Carolina Department on Aging, outlined key steps beneficiaries should take during Medicare open enrollment and where to get free, unbiased help.

Open enrollment runs each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, with coverage of any changes becoming effective Jan. 1. "Open enrollment period is going on now. It started October 15. It lasts through December 7," Strong said, urging listeners to review their plans now rather than waiting. She emphasized that the period is the main annual opportunity to enroll in or switch prescription drug (Part D) plans and Medicare Advantage plans or to disenroll and return to traditional Medicare.

Why it matters: missing initial or timely enrollment can lead to financial penalties. Strong warned that a late‑enrollment penalty for Part B — typically…