Medicare can help. Medicare pays for many preventive services to keep you healthy. Preventive services can find health problems early, when treatment works best, and can help keep you from getting certain diseases. Preventive services include exams, shots, lab tests, and screenings. They also include programs for health monitoring, and counseling and education to help you take care of your own health. If you have Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit and many other covered preventive services.

Opportunities are open now to become a SHIIP/ SMP volunteer counselor! Across the state more than 350 trained volunteers assist thousands of Iowans each year to understand their Medicare benefits and options through individual counseling sessions, community education, special projects, and making connections in their communities. But more counselors are needed. Click here to learn more.

Medicare fraud puts the future of Medicare at risk. Medicare loses billions of dollars each year due to fraud, errors and abuse. Estimates place these losses at approximately $60 billion annually, though the exact figure is impossible to measure. You can help the fight against Medicare fraud by sharing this information with your friends and family.
 

New to Medicare? Medicare can be confusing. It's okay to get help. Contact your SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664(TTY 1-800-735-2942) or email SHIIP--SMP at shiip@iid.iowa.gov.

How SHIIP--SMP Helped Me

For some, The SHIIP--SMP program's in-person help was essential for understanding the complexities of Medicare and making good choices.  For others, SHIIP--SMP education helped them save on their health care costs.