News : Medicare review prior to 2016 election offered by VGH and SHIIP

Logo for SHIIP

Medicare Part D plans are often confusing and need to be reviewed every year because there are potentially many changes to your plan. They can include changes to: the covered drugs in a specific plan, co-payments, the plan deductible, and restrictions on access to medications you need.

Virginia Gay Hospital and Clinics is interested in helping Medicare-eligible seniors get the very best information they can to stay abreast of changes to their insurance. As part their effort, VGH is partnering with SHIIP to provide independent advice provided by volunteers working with the State of Iowa. SHIIP is the acronym standing for Senior Health Insurance Information Program.

The local SHIIP office will be located at 309 1st Avenue; the former VGH Home Health office located just west of the courthouse. Seniors can call the local number 472-4091 to schedule appointments. Though callers will initially be leaving a voicemail so the local SHIIP volunteer can call them back, VGH is recommending making appointments well in advance to avoid the inevitable last minute rush. Appointments in Vinton will available starting on October 1st.

The annual election period when most of those eligible can change plans is October 15th to December 7th. This is the time to review plans being offered for 2016, change plans, or sign-up for Part D if you haven’t already done so.

Those who can have their plan reviewed and change anytime include residents of nursing facilities, Iowans who qualify for the Part D extra help, Iowans on Title XIX (Medicaid), Elderly Waiver, or those whose Part B premiums are paid by the state (QMB, SLMB or QI programs). Those who have been discharged from a nursing facility have a special enrollment for 60 days to review their current plan and change if necessary. Even if your medications have not changed, you may need a different plan if you change the pharmacy you use.

SHIIP volunteers provide free-of-charge counseling and information to people with questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance, and claims filings. Examples of services SHIIP provides include sorting, organizing and explaining health claims, explaining Medicare options, and comparing prescription drug plans.

All information provided is confidential and the program has no ties to any insurance company, drug provider, or other commercial entity.

Kris Gross, director of the program with the State of Iowa’s Insurance Division says, “SHIIP has a great track record for saving Iowans money and headaches.” Volunteers complete a 6-day training course so they’re able to help Medicare-eligible seniors, or those who soon will be, in a wide variety of ways.

The State of Iowa created SHIIP 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; the volunteers, trained by the State of Iowa Insurance Division, answer questions and provide impartial information to help seniors make well-informed decisions.