Medicare annual enrollment is now open through Dec. 7 for participating members, and Erin Ventura, insurance agent, explains the importance of registration now. To be eligible for Medicare, people must be legal residents in the United States and have lived here for at least five years, including five years before the enrollment period. Of individuals eligible, they also must meet at least one of the following requirements, including being 65 or older, younger than 65 with a qualifying disability, or any age with a diagnosis of end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). “During this time, a Medicare beneficiary can add, drop or switch their plans with an effective date of January 1,” Ventura said. “For those with a Medicare Advantage Plan, they automatically renew.” She explained that medicare.gov can always compare plans by searching someone’s zip code to acquire information about Medicare plans available for different regions. The system in place online can…