SHIIP helps explain Medicare options

Close to 40,000 Iowans will turn 65 in 2012 and most will be encountering Medicare for the first time.

?For those approaching age 65, there are four key Medicare questions,? said Kris Gross from the state of Iowa?s Senior Health Insurance Information Program.

First, should a senior citizen enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B?

If the senior determines with Social Security that the answer to that question is ?yes,? how does he or she want to get the Medicare coverage ? through traditional Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan?

Next, will the senior enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage?

And finally, will the senior have some type of supplemental coverage which will cover costs not paid by Medicare?

Even if a senior plans to continue working after age 65, or has a spouse who will be working and providing health coverage, the senior needs to understand Medicare?s eligibility and enrollment rules and evaluate which options will provide him or her with the most cost effective health coverage.

SHIIP has several resources which can help a senior understand options and rights. The ?Checklist for New Medicare Beneficiaries? and ?Getting Ready to Retire: Health Insurance Issues? factsheets are available by calling 800-351-4664 or can be found on the SHIIP website www.therightcalliowa.gov.

A booklet created specifically for people going on Medicare called ?Medicare ? What You Need to Know? also is found on the SHIIP website, along with a list of ?Welcome to Medicare? seminars being offered around the state. The two-hour seminars provide information to help a senior with the four key questions. Seniors can receive notices about seminars in the area and Medicare information weekly by visiting the Iowa SHIIP Facebook page.

More than 300 SHIIP counselors around the state are available to sit down with a senior face-to-face to explain Medicare and options. All services are free, confidential and objective.

To find the nearest SHIIP site, call 800-351-4664, go to www.therightcalliowa.gov or email shiip@iid.iowa.gov.