Medicare open enrollment is about to open in Hawaii, and people who ignore their plan mail could get stuck with higher costs or lost drug coverage.

• Open enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, a short window to compare plans.
• Premiums, co-pays and out-of-pocket costs are changing, and some prescriptions may no longer be covered.
• HMSA is dropping two of its plans, so some people will be forced to pick something new.
• Free workshops are running across the islands with the state's health insurance help program, plus a virtual session in November.
• A new Hawaii law took effect October 1 that blocks the cash-kiosk deposits scammers use to drain victims, mostly older people.

Outlook: Anyone on Medicare should review their plan before December 7, and caregivers should check that older relatives have actually signed up rather than assuming it is handled.