Older adults and their families are reminded that the open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage or prescription drug plans was moved up this year—to Wednesday, Dec. 7. This is the deadline to join, drop, or switch health care and drug plans for 2012.

For detailed information and assistance regarding Medicare options, visit www.medicare.gov. To reach a customer service representative, call 800-633-4227 (877-486-2048 TTY).

The SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas) program of the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging can also provide advice regarding options and processes. Just call 913-715-8856 to schedule an appointment with a counselor.