Mitchell County Regional Health Center Services
Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)
SHIIP Volunteers Get Things Done
What Is SHIIP?
SHIIP is the abbreviation for Senior Health Insurance Information Program. This program was created in 1990 and is a service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Through this office in Des Moines and sponsors and volunteers in most counties of Iowa assistance is provided to persons who are retired or over the age of 65 at no cost.
What Kind of Assistance Does A SHIIP Volunteer Provide?
Through local sponsors, like Mitchell County Regional Health Center, dedicated volunteers help answer questions and solve problems related to:
- Understanding Medicare benefits
- Organizing medical bills and Medicare statements; filing claims
- Comparing and evaluating Medicare supplement policies
- Providing information on long term care (nursing home) insurance policies
- Understanding Medicare managed care and other options
- Evaluating employer retiree plans and other types of health insurance
- Comparing and evaluating the new Prescription Drug cards
How Does SHIIP Work?
SHIIP volunteers have completed a five-day training program. Plus they keep up to date on changes to Medicare through newsletter, bulletins and quarterly training sessions.
In one-to-one sessions held at Mitchell County Regional Health Center, Osage and by telephone, volunteers provide important assistance.
Shirley Lister and Jim Cody
How Do I Make An Appointment?
Call 641.732.6000 and ask to make an appointment to see the SHIIP counselor. Counselors work every Tuesday morning in Osage. You will meet with the SHIIP counselor in private to discuss your concern or issue, which you need help with.
Visit the State of Iowa SHIIP page