Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
Drowning in a sea of health insurance information? Look to SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program. This program was created in 1999 by the State of Iowa's Insurance Division. It is staffed by well trained, senior volunteers. SHIIP volunteers can help seniors and their families find answers to important questions on Medicare, supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance, other health insurance issues and Medicare prescription drug coverage.
A SHIIP volunteer can help you find answers to many questions, such as the kind of health insurance you’ll need when you retire, information about Medicare statements and medical bills, and your options for long-term care insurance. In 2015, Great River Health’s SHIIP volunteers helped 1,024 people, who saved $254,000 in Medicare-related expenses. Most of the savings were related to choosing the right prescription drug plan.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
For information, please call and make an appointment with a SHIIP volunteer. If you would like to compare Medicare Prescription Drug plans using the Medicare Website on your own go to the www.medicare.gov.
They can also help you:
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Enroll in and understand your Medicare benefits and rights, including supplemental coverage
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Sign up for Social Security benefits
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Qualify for free and reduced drug plans from pharmaceutical companies
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Assess your needs so you can make informed decisions about your level of coverage
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Compare and evaluate Medicare supplement and long-term care insurance policies
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Compare and evaluate Medicare prescription drug coverage plans
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Organize your medical bills, Medicare statements and file claims
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Find assistance from other agencies, including Medicaid, when it's appropriate
SHIIP offers unbiased information only and does not sell insurance. For more information, visit the Iowa SHIIP homepage .