Help available during Medicare open enrollment

Trained volunteers are available at no cost to make sure you get the right plan for your needs.


Plan premiums, pharmacy networks and drug coverage change each year for Part D and Advantage Plans. The Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program encourages you to review your plan options each year during the annual open enrollment period beginning Oct. 15 and ending Dec. 7, 2024.  Changes with Medicare this year makes it particularly important to have your plan reviewed.

SHIINE volunteer counselors are available by appointment to help people sort through the confusion and compare Medicare Part D plans and other Medicare plans during open enrollment.  If you have trouble paying for your medications and if you qualify, we can assist completing applications for “extra help” with medication costs.

In the Watertown or the surrounding area call 605-237-6088 for an appointment.

SHIINE is administered by the South Dakota Department of Human Services, is a federally- funded program that advocates for, educates and assists consumers with Medicare, fraud, errors and abuse detection, and related health insurance information, to allow consumers to make timely and informed decisions and access necessary resources. The program is free for seniors and their caregivers.

For more information on SHIINE and open enrollment appointments in your area, contact your SHIINE Local Volunteer, Shelly Alvine, at 605-237-6088, or visit www.shiine.net.