MUSCATINE, Iowa–Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period starts Oct. 15, SHIIP Counselors are ready to help.
Every year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to choose the Medicare drug coverage they want for the next year and to decide if they want to get their Medicare health benefits from Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. It is important that Iowans on Medicare use this time to check out the plans that will be available to them in 2022. The Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments, co-insurance and provider networks every year.
The Senior Health Insurance Information and Senior Medicare Patrol (SHIIP-SMP) programs, housed within the Senior Resources building at 1808 Mulberry Avenue, are services of the State of Iowa. SHIIP-SMP volunteers provide free, confidential, and unbiased one-to-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Muscatine County Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP-SMP also provides community outreach on Medicare and how to guard against Medicare fraud.
“The SHIIP-SMP program has a great track record for saving Iowans money and helping them with Medicare questions and problems. In 2019, the program saved Iowan Medicare beneficiaries more than $36,000,000. Our SHIIP-SMP volunteers have completed an extensive training program and are certified each year. Senior Resources encourages Muscatine consumers to connect with SHIIP-SMP services by calling 563-263-7292 and making an appointment,” said Megan Francis, Marketing and Communication Director for Senior Resources programs.
“I did not even realize this program was available in Muscatine before becoming a certified SHIIP Counselor. We have already seen residents find savings by reviewing their plans for the upcoming year. Everyone should take advantage of this free, confidential service.” Said Paul Kraushaar
This project was supported, in part by grant numbers 90SAPG0070 and 90MPPG0046, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201
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