County Executive Robert P. Astorino announces introductory workshops on Medicare “basics” to take place this fall on  Sept. 22, Oct. 20, Nov., 16 and Dec. 1 at the County Office Building,  9 S. First Ave., Mount Vernon.

The sessions are presented by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services(DSPS), and will take place from 10 a.m. to noon in the eighth-floor conference room.

All are free, but registration is requested. To sign up, call DSPS’ Medicare Information Line at (914) 813-6100, which is open year-round. Early registration is suggested because the classes fill up quickly.

Case workers will provide information about Medicare parts A, B, C, and D and how to use Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) for even greater savings. EPIC is a New York State-sponsored plan that helps eligible seniors pay prescription drug costs. They will also discuss Medigap insurance, cost-sharing and preventive benefits.

Seniors are also reminded that enrollment for Medicare Part D for 2012 will take place this year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

For more information, visit  www.medicare.gov, the federal government’s official Medicare site.