Medicare Open Enrollment season begins October 15 and ends December 7. The Family Resource Center is scheduling appointments now for seniors to meet with SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) counselors who offer free advice in choosing the best fitting prescription plan and to answer questions. Because drug plans are everchanging, having a guide to help you navigate these changes, from year to year, can be very helpful.

Jim Solomon, Deb Hogan, and Kim Davis — our dedicated volunteer SHIIP counselors — will be meeting with clients in their private offices at the Family Resource Center’s new location: 510 South 1st St., Guttenberg. SHIIP counselors offers free, confidential, and unbiased Medicare counseling to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Even if you met with a SHIIP counselor when you first turned 65, your plan and options can change each year — so it’s a good idea to meet with a counselor annually to review your coverage.

“We are very grateful for the dedication of our SHIIP counselors and appreciate the time they donate to assist our clients,” said Kari Harbaugh, Family Resource Center Coordinator.

There is no charge for consultation with Jim, Deb or Kim. If they don’t have the answer, SHIIP counselors have a direct connection to the state the state SHIIP office to get it for you. All three offer flexible scheduling and welcome clients from surrounding communities as well.

SHIIP counselors will assist you with these three important things during Medicare Open Enrollmnent:

• Review  your plan notice. Read any notices from  your Medicare plan about changes for next year—especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
• What matters most to you? Medicare health and drug plans change each year and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
• Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs for plans can change from year to year.

To set up an appointment during the Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15-Dec. 7, call the Family Resource Center at 563-252-3215. SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP counselors review all plans offered and do not promote any particular plan or company. Please bring your Medicare card and your present list of prescription drugs to your appointment.