Senior Services of Island County is reminding Medicare clients that the annual enrollment period for Medicare programs has been changed.

The enrollment period will be held earlier this year, and will run from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The change will affect enrollment or any changes that people have planned for Medicare Part D drug programs and Medicare Advantage.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits advisors will offer free public seminars next month covering Medicare for 2012.

The seminars are 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 and 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Bayview Senior Center at 14594 Highway 525.