SHIIP–SMP Volunteers Serve Over 51,000 Iowans in 2024
The Iowa Insurance Division proudly recognizes the incredible dedication and service of our SHIIP–SMP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program–Senior Medicare Patrol) volunteers. In 2024, 401 volunteer counselors served 51,885 Iowans—an 8% increase from the previous year—helping individuals understand their Medicare benefits, evaluate healthcare options, and guard against fraud and abuse.
Through one-on-one counseling sessions, “Welcome to Medicare” seminars, and community outreach, these trained and certified volunteers are a trusted source of unbiased, confidential assistance for Iowans navigating complex healthcare decisions. Their collective efforts made a significant difference across the state, with over 46,775 hours of volunteer service recorded in 2024. Additionally, last year alone, SHIIP-SMP volunteers saved clients millions of dollars in health expenses!
“Our SHIIP–SMP volunteers are truly the heart of this program,” said Kristin Griffith, SHIIP–SMP Director at the Iowa Insurance Division. “Their compassion, expertise, and tireless commitment to helping others ease the burden of navigating Medicare and health insurance choices. Their work not only supports individual Iowans but strengthens the overall health literacy and fraud resilience of our communities. I’m deeply grateful for their willingness to give so much of their time and talents to help their fellow Iowans.”
SHIIP-SMP regularly collects stories from clients to demonstrate the positive impact of the program with our community partners and our federal grant funders. We invite you to share your own story and experience with SHIIP-SMP through a brief survey!
Below are just a few testimonies already collected from SHIIP-SMP clients sharing their thanks for the support they received from volunteer counselors:
"I was going through intensive cancer treatments and turning 65. With being sick, it was hard for me to get care. My local SHIIP counselor hit a road bump and called the Des Moines SHIIP staff to find the answer and got me set up. By me writing this, I didn't die and I still have insurance! Thank you so much for this service." – Paige
"Just when you think things will become a little easier as you put your life’s work behind you and relax, you are handed numerous forms to complete and decisions to be made about your future healthcare. You are bombarded with mail and TV spots which are less than helpful for the novice Medicare recipient. Thankfully, I learned early on about the counseling offered by SHIIP to all Iowa residents. Each year, I review the new information and schedule an appointment with one of the knowledgeable, friendly, and professional counselors at Unity Point in Ankeny. The SHIIP counselors have given me the confidence that I have made an informed decision regarding my health and health expenditures for the coming year." – Maureen
"I was put onto Medicare early due to a disability throwing me into a brand new world that I knew nothing about and had not been planning on entering for many years to come. My SHIIP counselor was patient with me. He tolerated all my anxieties and questions. He educated me and walked me through step by step each action I needed to take. I have been able to give others advice and direct them towards getting a SHIIP counselor thanks to my experience with him. I hope SHIIP volunteers know how valuable their time and talents are to people like me. I am so grateful that they volunteered to guide people like me through a very complicated, complex and confusing program. I could not have gotten to this relaxed place of peace without their guidance. – Ann
"Given that I was not born in the USA, coming to grips with all the elements related to taxes, Medicare and more was a challenge to say the least. My SHIIP counselor was an absolute gift in my life. It began to make sense at last! I must express admiration for Linda and her support. Totally “human”, kind, efficient and willing to go the extra mile for me. I have had wonderful guidance in the choices related to Drug plans and I hope she knows just how much she is appreciated." – Marcia
"We have used SHIIP for myself and my spouse for over eight years. Our counselor, Dave, is highly professional and works diligently to search out plan options that meet our specific needs. He is impartial and only presents the facts of what a plan provides but assures we understand exactly what we can expect from various plans. Needs change, plans change, Medicare changes at times. Most importantly unplanned life events force some changes and Dave takes all of these into account. I trust him implicitly with the confidentiality of the information he requires to accomplish this task. He has a real talent for putting us at ease and infinite patience for dealing with changing circumstances. I would say professionalism, trust and making the person you are working with feel at ease with the process are vital." – Jim
"I moved here 5 years ago from a state I had lived in for 75 years. There are many changes from state to state. These volunteers saved me so much time & money. All was accomplished with what appeared to be so little effort. Each volunteer is so kind, thoughtful, understanding, caring & willing!" – Barb
If you’re passionate about helping others and want to make a meaningful impact in your community, consider becoming a SHIIP–SMP volunteer. Learn more at: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved.