MEDICARE ASSISTANCE / SHIIP

ABOUT THE SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PROGRAM (SHIIP)

Senior Resources is the local sponsor for the State of Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Trained SHIIP volunteers provide up-to-date counseling on topics related to Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Long Term Care Insurance, and other health insurance issues.

Created in 1990 by the State of Iowa’s Insurance Division, SHIIP has helped thousands of Iowans sort through confusing Medicare and health insurance information.

SHIIP is a free and confidential service offered through the State of Iowa.

SHIIP volunteers will give you information to help you…

  • Understand your Medicare benefits and rights
  • Assess your needs so you can make informed decisions about health insurance
  • Organize your medical bills, Medicare statements, and file claims
  • Find assistance that helps with Medicare costs and Medicare drug plans
  • Find assistance from other agencies, including Medicaid, when or if it’s appropriate
  • Compare and evaluate:
    • Medicare supplements
    • Retiree health plan coverage
    • Medicare drug plans
    • Medicare Advantage plans
    • Long term care insurance policies

ABOUT THE SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PROGRAM (SHIIP)

Senior Resources is the local sponsor for the State of Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Trained SHIIP volunteers provide up-to-date counseling on topics related to Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Long Term Care Insurance, and other health insurance issues.

Created in 1990 by the State of Iowa’s Insurance Division, SHIIP has helped thousands of Iowans sort through confusing Medicare and health insurance information.

SHIIP is a free and confidential service offered through the State of Iowa.

SHIIP volunteers will give you information to help you…

  • Understand your Medicare benefits and rights
  • Assess your needs so you can make informed decisions about health insurance
  • Organize your medical bills, Medicare statements, and file claims
  • Find assistance that helps with Medicare costs and Medicare drug plans
  • Find assistance from other agencies, including Medicaid, when or if it’s appropriate
  • Compare and evaluate:
    • Medicare supplements
    • Retiree health plan coverage
    • Medicare drug plans
    • Medicare Advantage plans
    • Long term care insurance policies

VOLUNTEERS

SHIIP volunteers complete an intensive training program and will give you the best information available. They are always up-to-date on any changes. Senior Resources and the SHIIP program are currently recruiting additional volunteers to support the program in Muscatine.

We’re looking for people who:

  • Can be a trusted and objective source of information
  • Enjoy tackling new challenges
  • Like to learn complex subject matter
  • Gain personal satisfaction from helping clients navigate the challenges of understanding Medicare
  • Can work with diverse populations
  • Have good computer skills and are internet savvy

What is required to be a SHIIP-SMP Counselor?

To assure SHIIP-SMP counselors are proficient and have the information and tools they need to provide counseling and community outreach, volunteers are required to:

  • Complete new volunteer training
  • Attend update training annually
  • Assist a minimum number of clients throughout the year
  • Complete online subject matter reviews annually

So volunteers can proceed with confidence during counseling and educational sessions, SHIIP–SMP provides excellent resources including a dedicated 800# line for volunteer questions that is answered by staff, print resources, and regularly updated information.

SHIIP volunteers will give you information to help you…

  • Understand your Medicare benefits and rights
  • Assess your needs so you can make informed decisions about health insurance
  • Compare and evaluate:
    • Medicare supplements
    • Retiree health plan coverage
    • Medicare drug plans
    • Medicare Advantage plans
    • Long term care insurance policies
  • Organize your medical bills, Medicare statements, and file claims
  • Find assistance that helps with Medicare costs and Medicare drug plans
  • Find assistance from other agencies, including Medicaid, when or if it’s appropriate

VOLUNTEERS

SHIIP volunteers complete an intensive training program and will give you the best information available. They are always up-to-date on any changes. Senior Resources and the SHIIP program are currently recruiting additional volunteers to support the program in Muscatine.

We’re looking for people who:

  • Can be a trusted and objective source of information
  • Enjoy tackling new challenges
  • Like to learn complex subject matter
  • Gain personal satisfaction from helping clients navigate the challenges of understanding Medicare
  • Can work with diverse populations
  • Have good computer skills and are internet savvy

What is required to be a SHIIP-SMP Counselor?

To assure SHIIP-SMP counselors are proficient and have the information and tools they need to provide counseling and community outreach, volunteers are required to:

  • Complete new volunteer training
  • Attend update training annually
  • Assist a minimum number of clients throughout the year
  • Complete online subject matter reviews annually

So volunteers can proceed with confidence during counseling and educational sessions, SHIIP–SMP provides excellent resources including a dedicated 800# line for volunteer questions that is answered by staff, print resources, and regularly updated information.