Changes are coming to the Medicare program in 2016, and in an effort to prepare seniors, District 3 U.S. Rep. Sam Johnson, R-Plano, will host two free information sessions covering Medicare open enrollment.

“Medicare serves millions of older Americans in our country; however, understanding this program and selecting the best plan in anticipation of your health care needs can be very confusing,” Johnson said in a news release. “Many folks are unaware of how Medicare actually operates because they never received a basic overview. As part of my ongoing effort to help seniors with their health care needs, I want to ensure folks are made aware of their options prior to selecting their plan for the upcoming year. I encourage all Collin County seniors and caregivers to attend.”

The sessions are held in conjunction with the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging, and will provide a complete overview of the program and will coincide with the annual Medicare and Medicare Prescription Drug Program open enrollment period, which runs Oct. 15-Dec. 7.

Counselors will be available following the program to provide basic one-on-one assistance for individuals with benefits counseling questions.

For questions regarding counseling services provided by the NCTAAA, call Mary Jane Douglas at 1-800-272-3921, ext. 7166. For more information on these events, contact Johnson’s Plano office at 469-304-0382.