(Atlantic) Volunteer counselors are ready to help local adults with their questions and concerns about Medicare Open Enrollment.
The Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) Program is a free, confidential, and unbiased service offered by the State of Iowa. SHIIP volunteers provide one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP also provides community outreach and education on Medicare financial assistance eligibility. SHIIP services are sponsored locally by Cass Health, and the three local SHIIP counselors are Marla Anstey, Mary Brasfield, and Sheryl Miller.
Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15th and ends December 7th. Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to review and make changes to their drug or Medicare Advantage plan. During open enrollment, adults can join a new Medicare Advantage Plan, join a new Part D Prescription Drug Plan, switch from original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan, or switch from an Advantage Plan to original Medicare.
Medicare plans can change their coverage, premiums, copayments, coinsurance, prescription drug formularies, and provider networks each year. A SHIIP counselor can help Medicare beneficiaries compare their options and consider which plans best meet their individual healthcare and financial needs.
It is also important to check which health care providers and hospitals are in your plan. For example, Cass Health is not in network with Humana Medicare Advantage plans. Cass Health is in network with many other Medicare Advantage plans, including AARP Medicare Plans, Aetna Medicare Plans, Iowa Total Care/Wellcare, Medica Prime Solution, Molina Medicare, UnitedHealthcare Dual Complete, Wellmark Blue Medicare Advantage, and Wellpoint Dual Advantage.
Before choosing a plan, check that Cass Health and the other health care providers you use are in the plan’s network.
To make an appointment with a SHIIP volunteer, please call 712-243-7555 and leave a message. One of the volunteers will then contact you about scheduling.
