How to apply for Iowa SHIIP: free Medicare and health insurance counseling (Senior Health Insurance Information Program)

Who it's for

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, is Iowa's SHIP. It gives free, confidential, one-on-one help with Medicare and related health insurance to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers. Trained volunteer counselors work across Iowa and can help compare Part D drug plans and Medicare Advantage plans, explain Medicare supplement coverage, and check for help with Medicare costs. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), run alongside SHIIP, helps people spot and report Medicare fraud. Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7. Call SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 or find a local counselor by county on the SHIIP website.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Iowa SHIIP: free Medicare and health insurance counseling (Senior Health Insurance Information Program). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Decide how you want to get help. You can apply online or call SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664.
2. Call SHIIP to get started or to ask for a counselor in your county. If your county does not have a local counselor right now, ask the SHIIP office to point you to a nearby county.
3. Ask what to bring before your appointment or counseling session. The program says to call and ask what documents or information you should have ready.
4. Complete your counseling request online or by phone. Ask for help with Medicare questions, plan comparisons, Medicare supplement coverage, help with Medicare costs, or concerns about possible Medicare fraud.
5. Schedule and attend your free, confidential counseling session with a trained counselor.

What to expect: After you apply or call, SHIIP will help connect you with counseling. Counseling is free and open to anyone with Medicare questions. A counselor can give one-on-one help with Medicare and related health insurance issues. Processing times and appointment timing can vary, so ask for an estimate when you call. There is no renewal for this program.

Renewals

none