Saving Money and Medicare

West Burlington — Every year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 Medicare beneficiaries have an Open Enrollment Period (OEP) when they can compare their Part D Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Plan and enroll in the plan that best meets their needs for the new calendar year. During the open enrollment period participants can join, switch, or drop a plan. Because Medicare plans and prices change every year, it is important to review your coverage during open enrollment. This is especially important for prescription drug plans.

Part D Drug Plans and Medicare Advantage Plans can change their contracts, coverage, and benefits each year. This means current plans may not cover existing prescriptions next year or change cost-sharing requirements. Prior authorization requirements needed to get prescriptions covered could also be added.

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers help with the Medicare Open Enrollment Period and can aid in answering questions and comparing plans.

Volunteers for the State of Iowa’s SHIIP program through Southeast Iowa Regional Medical Center, Henry County Health Center, and Great River Health are accepting appointments for the Open Enrollment Period to help Medicare participants.

Starting Sept. 2, 2025, contact one of these offices to make an appointment:

· To make an appointment in Fort Madison, Keokuk or West Burlington, call 319-768-3342 or 319-376-2249. Please leave one message, and a volunteer scheduler will call you back. Appointments can also be made online by going to: http://bit.ly/4mwlXVy

· Clients who have been seen since Oct. 1, 2024, at Henry County Health Center will receive a letter in the mail, which includes their drug list. Please review the drug list and return it to the HCHC SHIIP office or drop off at the Information Desk. A counselor will contact you prior to open enrollment to let you know if an appointment is necessary. All others can call 319-385-6774.

SHIIP Counselors encourage you to do three important things during the Medicare Open Enrollment from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2025.

1. Review your plan notice. Read any notice from your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage plan about changes for next year.

2. Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year, and so do your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?

3. Shop for plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year. Medicare.gov offers a plan comparison tool and education to help you choose the right plan.

The choices you make will go into effect on Jan. 1, 2026. If you decide not to enroll in a plan for 2026 your next opportunity to enroll will be from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2026.

Volunteer counselors with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program or SHIIP and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. They provide answers to questions or problems related to Medicare and health insurance. They are also trained to help anyone on Medicare who thinks they have been a victim of Medicare Fraud.