Halloween is almost here, but you might be frightened by more than just witches and ghouls. Boo! It’s time for Medicare open enrollment.

If signing up for Medicare makes the hairs on your arm stand up — don’t worry. Salem Health is here to help.

Visit salemhealth.org/chec or call 503-814-CHEC (2432) to sign up for a Welcome to Medicare class at the Salem Health CHEC. Classes are led by certified Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance counselors.

You will learn:

• How Medicare works and is improved by the Affordable Care Act
• How to choose supplemental insurance options
• How to find assistance if you have low income or limited resources
• How to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud and abuse

The Salem Health Facebook page also lists health insurance enrollment events when they are available.  

Other assistance

If you are unable to attend a Medicare class or enrollment event, visit the State of Oregon’s SHIBA website or call the SHIBA program office at 800-722-4134.

Individual counseling

• NorthWest Senior & Disability Services, 3410 Cherry Ave. NE, Salem
  Monday through Thursday by appointment. Call 503-304-3479.

• Center 50+ Senior Center, 2615 Portland Road NE, Salem
  Wednesday and Friday by appointment. Call 503-588-6303.

Medicare 101 and fall open enrollment presentations

• Center 50+ Senior Center, 2615 Portland Road NE, Salem
  Registration is not required. Call 503-588-6303 for more information.
• Chemeketa Center for Business & Industry, 626 High St NE, Room 203, Salem
  Register by calling 503-947-7302 or email shiba.oregon@oregon.gov.
• Silverton Senior Center, 115 Westfield St., Silverton
  Registration is not required. Call for more information.
• Woodburn Senior Center, 700 N. Cascade Drive, Woodburn
  Wednesday, Oct. 26, noon to 1 p.m. Registration is not required.