Medicare questions answered by SHIIP Volunteers at Veterans Memorial Hospital; More volunteers needed

Are mammograms covered by Medicare Part B? What coverage can I get with Medicare supplement insurance? Do long-term care policies cover people with Alzheimer’s disease? Does every Medicare beneficiary have to make a decision about Medicare Part D?

Answers to these questions can be found by meeting with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers at Veterans Memorial Hospital (VMH). Nancy Schoh of rural Dorchester is a trained volunteer and available by appointment to meet with any person or family with Medicare questions and concerns.

“This volunteer job is rewarding,” stated Nancy Schoh, SHIIP volunteer at Veterans Memorial Hospital. “It feels so good to help people. Many of them are older and don’t even have a computer at home so they really need the help. SHIIP is just what they need.”

More SHIIP counselors are needed, especially in northeast Iowa and at Veterans Memorial Hospital.  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, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, was created in 1990 in response to the statewide need for senior health insurance information. SHIIP provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with Medicare Coverage, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, Medicare and insurance claims and other related issues. SHIIP does not recommend insurance companies, plans or agents. Volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions.

For more information about the SHIIP program, or 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 Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to learn more.