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SHIIP supports our seniors, seniors support SHIIP
Two volunteers speak on what they do at Senior Health Insurance Information Program, and why they do it
Southeast Iowa Union offers audio versions of articles using Instaread. Some words may be mispronounced.
MT. PLEASANT - SHIIP, or the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, is a service offered by the State of Iowa, which helps Medicare users navigate the byzantine world of healthcare. In Henry County, a 7-person group of volunteers helped clients served approximately 800 clients. During the Open Enrollment period between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, these volunteers saved clients about $491,000 by getting them the right drug plans and Advantage Plans.
Ten years ago, a joint letter from SHIIP and AARP arrived at Sally Fager’s house. The letter inspired her, and she inspired her husband, Jeff. Sally has volunteered with SHIIP for 10 years now, Jeff for 3.
“As she became involved in SHIIP, and learning about the many systems of Medicare,” said Jeff, “It helped us, and we can pass that along.”
They work as Volunteer Service Counselors, meeting with Medicare users. They help enroll them in plans, explain what their options are, or change their plan to something better-suited to their needs. According to almost anything or any question they might have related to medicare. The Henry County branch possesses 6 counselors, and 1 office assistant.
All are volunteers, reporting to Kirstin Heerdt, Vol. Service Coordinator at Henry County Health Center. Sally Fager took time to thank her for her support.
“She makes sure that we have the office supplies that we need, that our computers will do the job we need them to do, and she has made sure that we have appropriate office space, so that we can meet clients privately and confidentially.”
If you wish to help, you simply need call SHIIP at 319-385-6774. Qualifications include an interest in helping others, familiarity with computers, and the desire and ability to learn new things.
If you are eligible for Medicare, and wish to benefit from the program, their “Welcome to Medical Seminar” begins Tuesday, March 24, running from 6:30PM-8:30PM at Henry County Health Center.
But the most important thing, according to the Fagers, is word of mouth:
“Word of mouth has been one of the main ways people find us,” says Sally. “When we get new clients, one of the things on our intake form is to ask them how they heard about SHIIP. And almost always- I’d say 90% of the time- a friend or relative has said to them, ‘You need to go talk to them at SHIIP.’”
Jeff encouraged those who benefit from or support the system to speak to their representatives.
“I think people who take advantage of SHIIP can let their representative in Congress know they appreciate SHIIP, because we are supported by federal grants, and we know those can come and go. [...] A little extra push there to keep us supported into the future.”
Call Marilyn Higgins at 319-368-8895 or email her at marilyn.higgins@southeastiowaunion.com
