With the Medicare open enrollment period about to get underway, local residents are reminded of Senior Health Insurance Information and Senior Medicare Patrol program services that are available at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center.
The SHIIP-SMP programs are free, confidential, and unbiased services offered by the state of Iowa. SHIIP-SMP volunteers provide one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP-SMP also provides community outreach and education on Medicare financial assistance eligibility and how to guard against Medicare fraud.
In 2022, the Senior Health Insurance Information and Senior Medicare Patrol programs served over 60-thousand Medicare beneficiaries and saved Iowa clients millions of dollars, according to the SHIIP-SMP Director. BVRMC Education/Resource Director Danielle Schlenger says their dedicated SHIIP-SMP volunteers have completed an extensive training program, and are certified each year. BV County residents can make an appointment to connect with SHIIP-SMP services by calling 712-213-8683.
Iowans on Medicare have the opportunity to review or make changes to their drug plan or Medicare Advantage every year from October 15th through December 7th.
