Medicare's yearly sign-up window opens soon, and seniors who ignore it risk paying more than they should for drugs and care.

• Open enrollment runs from mid-October to early December, and plans change every year.
• Even people happy with their plan should check — drug coverage and copays can shift without warning.
• AARP Hawaii and the state health insurance help program are holding free in-person sessions across the islands, plus a virtual one in November.
• Family members caring for an older relative may need to step in, but need legal authority first.
• A new Hawaii anti-fraud law took effect this month barring crypto kiosks from taking cash deposits, after many people lost life savings to scams.

Outlook: Seniors who review their coverage before early December can avoid surprise costs next year; those who skip it are locked in.