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Prepare for Your Open Enrollment Appointment with SHIIP-SMP

With significant changes to Medicare Part D Prescription and Medicare Advantage plans in Iowa next year, demand for SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors will be high. You can save time—and help us serve more Iowans—by coming to your appointment fully prepared!

Here are our top 10 tips to prepare for your appointment or run your own plan comparison:

1. Save Your Appointment Details

It can be tough to get on the SHIIP-SMP calendar, so be sure to mark yours right away!

  • Note the details: Write down the date, time, location, counselor’s name, and items to bring.
  • Keep the callback number handy: If you need to cancel or reschedule, let us know as soon as possible so another Iowan can take that spot.

2. Gather Your Insurance Cards

Bring all current coverage cards with you to your appointment:

  • Red, White, & Blue Medicare Card
  • Current Part D Prescription or Medicare Advantage Card
  • Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Card
  • Medicaid or financial assistance cards

Tip: Received a new Medicare card recently and aren't sure which one to use? Bring both!

3. Pull Your Prescription List

Your medications make a big difference in finding the right plan.

  • Include full details: Write down the medication name, whether it’s brand or generic, dosage amount, format (tablet, capsule, ointment, etc.), and frequency.
  • Ask your pharmacist: They can print out an official list of your current prescriptions on file.
  • Note special cases: Let your counselor know up-front if any of your medications require prior authorization or special assistance.

4. Test Your Medicare.gov Account

If you’ve met with a counselor before, you likely already have a Medicare.gov account.

  • Try logging in now: Check your username and password before your visit.
  • Need to reset? Follow the online prompts or call 1-800-MEDICARE for help.
  • New user? Create an account at Medicare.gov using an active email address. Ask a friend, family member, or local librarian if you need computer access. (SHIIP-SMP offers a step-by-step video with instructions on How To Create Your Medicare Account.)
  • Save your login: Bring your current or updated username and password to your appointment!

5. Review Your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC)

Your current plan mails an ANOC each fall detailing changes for the coming year.

  • Check for plan cancellations: If your plan is ending in 2027, you will receive a notice titled "IMPORTANT NOTICE: Your Medicare plan won’t be offered in 2027."
  • Bring your notice: Bring your ANOC or cancellation letter to your appointment. If your plan was canceled, this letter is required to access special guaranteed-issue rights for a Supplement/Medigap plan.

6. Look Up Your Pre-Tax Income

Income eligibility limits for financial assistance change annually—you may qualify for Extra Help or Medicaid in 2027 even if you didn't qualify before.

  • Count gross income: Note your full income before any automatic deductions. For example, use your monthly Social Security amount before Medicare Part B premiums are taken out.
  • Counselor support: Your counselor will check current limits and offer application help or referrals.

7. Check Your Medical Summaries for Fraud

Review your twice-yearly Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) or Explanation of Benefits (EOB) mailings (also accessible on Medicare.gov).

  • Look for irregularities: Watch out for charges for services you didn't receive or equipment you never ordered.
  • Report red flags: Mention any suspicious charges to your counselor so they can connect you with our Senior Medicare Patrol team.

8. Run Your Own Plan Comparison

Our counselors use the exact same free tools available to you on Medicare.gov!

  • Review options: Log in to compare 2027 plans and see if your current coverage remains the most cost-effective option.
  • Watch instructional videos: Visit the SHIIP-SMP website for step-by-step video guides on comparing Part D and Medicare Advantage plans.
  • Enroll directly: If you find the right fit, you can complete enrollment online yourself, or bring your findings to your counselor to double-check.

9. Bring Your Smartphone (or Device)

Medicare.gov uses two-step verification for account security.

  • Access required: Bring the phone or device associated with your account so you can receive security codes via text or email during your meeting.
  • Avoid delays: Without account access, counselors can still run a general comparison, but it will take significantly longer.

10. Keep Calm & Explore Your Options

Our dedicated volunteer counselors support over 50,000 Iowans every year. Because demand is high across the state, appointment slots fill up fast!

  • Try another location or phone appointment: Check nearby sites or phone slots using our Find A Counselor tool or by calling 1-800-351-4664.
  • Call Medicare 24/7: Get round-the-clock help at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
  • Use self-help tools: Access all our guides and resources anytime at shiip.iowa.gov/oep.