Newport Beach Medicare's Open Enrollment period is October 15

October 15 to December 7 is when ALL people with Medicare can change their Medicare health plan and prescription drug coverage for 2014.

Making sense of Medicare, the government-run health-insurance plan for people with disabilities and those age 65 and older, isn't easy. The options read like alphabet soup, including Parts A and B (original Medicare), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (drug coverage).

Every year Medicare beneficiaries have a chance to change coverage during a Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which ends on December 7.

Here are things you need to know about Medicare and the open enrollment period.  Open enrollment is a time when people can change their Medicare Advantage and/or Part D prescription-drug plans. If you have Original Medicare with a Medigap supplemental plan and are happy with it, you need take no action.

You can switch plans

Parts C and D cover additional services

Open enrollment dates have changed this year

You have until Valentine's Day to drop a plan

Quality is rewarded

New savings on prescription drugs

There are new limits on out-of-pocket costs

You should check your doctor's affiliation

Many preventive services are now free

You should review your options