IF YOU ARE turning 65-years-old in the near future, or if you need to make changes to your existing health care coverage, chances are your mailbox, for months now, has been filled with glossy brochures advertising the very best Medicare options for you according to the sales pitch.

"There is so much information and also misinformation out there when it comes to signing up for a Medicare plan that it often creates more confusion than help for our seniors," said Director of the Ocean County Board of Commissioners Barbara Jo Crea, liaison to the Ocean County Office of Senior Services. "In an effort to cut through the abundance of plans and solicitations, Ocean County offers one on one assistance to help our seniors choose the best health care coverage for them."

With open enrollment beginning Oct. 15, Ocean County, through its Office of Senior Services, is making State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Counselors available for individual appointments to discuss coverage.

"These counselors are professionally trained to provide unbiased information to you in all facets of Medicare," Crea said. "They are not insurance sales people, they do not work on commission, rather they are tasked with providing you information on all plans that are available."

Assistance is available by appointment at the following: The County Connection at the Ocean County Mall, Toms River, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 5, call 732-288-777 to register; The Toms River Senior Center, Windsor Avenue, Toms River, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays, Oct. 16 through Dec. 4, call 732-341-1000, Ext. 8460 to register; Toms River branch of the Ocean County Library, Washington Street, Toms River, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., every other Friday, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 6, call 732-929-2091 to register; Beachwood Recreation Center, 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Oct. 18, call 732-929-2091 to register, and the Ocean County Southern Service Center, Stafford Township, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, call 732-929-2091.

"It's important our seniors register for this assistance," Crea said. "It's a very popular service we offer and we want everyone to be able to avail themselves to an appointment."

During open enrollment which runs from Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7, individuals can make any changes to their coverage that will take effect in the new year.

"SHIP counselors are available to sit with you one on one to discuss your coverage," Crea said. "Remember these plans are not one size fits all. Just because a plan works for your neighbor doesn't mean it will work for you. These plans change annually. It's important to find the best fit for you."

For more information or to make an appointment for many of the sites contact the Ocean County Office of Senior Services at (732) 929-2091.