For many Iowans, understanding Medicare and related health insurance can be confusing and overwhelming, asking themselves questions like, where do I start? What are my options? Am I making the right decision? What will it cost me? Is there help if I can’t afford my insurance? If I’m still working, do I have to sign up for Medicare?
Trained Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers can help answer these and other questions about navigating health care insurance options for Iowans on Medicare. SHIIP is a free health insurance counseling service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division sponsored locally by Greater Regional Health in Creston.
Across the state, currently more than 350 trained SHIIP volunteers assist thousands of Iowans each year to understand their Medicare benefits and options through individual counseling sessions, community education, special projects, and making connections in their communities. But more counselors are needed, especially in southwest Iowa and at Greater Regional Health.
SHIIP counselors provide one-on-one assistance to help Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, or representatives with questions and problems related to Medicare and related health insurances. Counselors also assist with awareness of SHIIP/SMP services with informal discussions with partners or group presentations.
Anyone who enjoys tackling new challenges, likes learning new information, gains satisfaction from helping people, has good computer skills, can work with diverse populations, and can be an objective and trusted source of information, would make a great SHIIP counselor.
SHIIP provides excellent training and resources to assure SHIIP volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for counseling and community education.
For more information about becoming a SHIIP volunteer counselor go to SHIIP.iowa.gov or email SHIIP@iid.iowa.gov or call 1-800-351-4664. Also, feel free to call Greater Regional Health SHIIP office at 641-782-3848 to learn more information. SHIIP services are free, confidential, and unbiased.
