WASHINGTON, DC—Approximately 58 million Americans today rely on Medicare for their health insurance. As the program enters its 52^nd year, the number of choices and options has skyrocketed. Add in that certain Medicare plans change their offerings and coverages each year, and it is ever more vital for the health and wallet of Medicare subscribers to rethink their choices each year during open enrollment (Oct. 15-Dec. 7).

To help Americans find their best Medicare options, AARP Bulletin's in-depth report "Getting the Best Out of Medicare," provides an easy-to-understand guide to assist in not only getting the right coverage for each person's unique needs, but also saving hundreds, perhaps thousands of dollars a year. The report features insights from over two dozen AARP researchers, policy experts and member advocates, and details how to shop for coverage, plan for additional health costs that Medicare won't cover, get the right supplemental insurance, assess Part D drug plans, and more.

Other stories in October's AARP Bulletin:

Health
Is the salt in your food bad or good for you? New studies are making it harder to answer that question. In "Salt v. The State of Your Health," AARP puts salt under trial, presenting the evidence of its harmful impact on blood pressure for many Americans, but also some strong counterarguments, and debunking many truisms along the way. You'll be surprised to learn where doctors are beginning to lean.

Fraud
Scammers stole tens of billions of dollars last year from older Americans and the many government programs that serve them. Medicare fraud alone is estimated at $60 billion annually. In this month's issue, AARP Bulletin profiles the top scam artists who befriended or pretended to serve older Americans and stole millions before their shameful rip-offs landed them in jail.

On average, 244 new cyber threats are launched every minute of every day. And today's online scams are effective because they've got a new focus: exploiting your most admirable characteristics. AARP Bulletin's October issue offers advice on how to protect yourself from scams targeting your industriousness, curiosity and geniality.

Business
Big companies are increasingly on the hunt for workers over age 50. With unemployment rates at 16-year lows, companies are using creative recruitment strategies to attract older workers, who bring mature skills and temperaments to the workplace. In this month's issue, AARP Bulletin sheds light on the value of recruiting and hiring older workers and the benefits of programs like AARP's Employer Pledge Program, which matches older workers with less-seasoned peers.

Lifestyle
Recent natural catastrophes, from hurricanes to wildfires, are a fresh reminder that disaster can strike at any time and place. While the circumstances may differ, there's one tip that every person needs to take from these situations: how to pack a "go bag." In this month's issue, AARP Bulletin discusses the necessary items to include in a "go bag" and how it can make all the difference in an emergency.

Millions of people affected by the record setting rains and unprecedented flooding from the hurricanes that slammed into Texas, Louisiana, Florida and the southeastern United States are in desperate need of relief. In her column, AARP CEO Jo Ann Jenkins addresses how AARP and AARP Foundation raised $2 million to aid the victims of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Learn more at http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/. Interviews with AARP's experts are available upon request.

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About AARP Bulletin
The definitive news source for AARP's members, AARP Bulletin (http://www.aarp.org/bulletin/) reaches more than 23.5 million households each month in print, with additional news and in-depth coverage online. Covering health and health policy, Medicare, Social Security, consumer protection, personal finance, and AARP state and national news developments, AARP Bulletin delivers the story behind the key issues confronting 50+ America. The monthly consumer-oriented news publication has become a must-read for congressional lawmakers and Washington opinion leaders, and it provides AARP members with pertinent information they need to know.

About AARP
AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With nearly 38 million members and offices in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and advocate for what matters most to families with a focus on health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name.  As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @AARP and @AARPadvocates on social media.