SHIIP–SMP Resources
Find a counselor
Click the link below to find a counselor near you, then call to set up an appointment. SHIIP–SMP counseling is free and confidential.
Medicare and Coronavirus
For more information on what Medicare covers as it relates to the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19 view the document below entitled Medicare and COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Update.
Basic Medicare Information
For more information to help you understand Medicare coverage options, click on the links below:
- Getting Ready to Retire
- Medicare - What You Need to Know (2023)
- 2023 Medicare Deductibles, Coinsurance and Premiums
- Medicare and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)
- Medicare and the Health Insurance Marketplace
- Checklist for New Medicare Beneficiaries
- Medicare and Other Insurance for People with Disabilities
- Medicare Preventive Benefits
- Medicare Covered Preventive Wellness Visits
- Medicare and Iowa Medicaid Managed Care
- Medicare and VA Healthcare
- Medicare Savings Program
Drug Benefit
Prescription drug coverage is now available from Medicare through Part D plans offered by private insurance companies. SHIIP–SMP counselors can help you sort through the choices to find a plan that best meets your needs. For more information click on the links below:
- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
- Iowa 2023 Medicare Part D Stand-Alone Prescription Drug Plans
- 5 Star Plan Rating - 2023
- Have You Reached the Donut Hole in Your Medicare Drug Plan?
- Help with Prescription Drug Costs
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to traditional Medicare coverage and some include additional benefits. Many also provide prescription drug coverage. For more information click on the links below:
Supplemental Insurance
Medicare is a good start to maintaining health care coverage, but it's just a start. SHIIP can help you sort through dozens of supplemental coverage plans. For more information click on the links below:
- Iowa Medicare Supplement & Premium Comparison Guide - updated 09/01/2023. Guide is updated monthly online only
- Consumer Alert: The Truth About New Medigap Changes in 2020
- Medicare Supplement Changes in 2020 - Frequently Asked Questions
- Special Events That Guarantee Your Right to Buy Medicare Supplement Insurance
- COBRA
Long Term Care Insurance
A major concern of many seniors and their families is how to cover the cost of long-term care and whether long-term care insurance is a smart investment. For more information click on the links below:
- Iowa Long Term Care Guide
- Iowa Long Term Care Partnership Program Consumer Guide
- Companies Approved to sell Long Term Care Insurance in Iowa
- Protecting Your Spouse When You Go to A Nursing Home
- Understanding Insurance Company Financial Stability Ratings
Other Resources
SHIIP–SMP works with a variety of organizations and agencies to assure that Iowans have the information they need to make decisions and receive health benefits. Use the resources listed below to help in your search for information and assistance.
- SHIPs in Other States
- SHIP services are available across the U.S. and its territories
- Social Security Administration
- Medicare enrollment, eligibility and card replacement. Contact 1-800-772-1213
- Medicare
- General information about Medicare and related topics. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
- Medicare Part A
- Coverage and claims for hospitals, inpatient and skilled nursing facilities. Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4277)
- Home health services
- Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
- Hospice
- Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
- Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
- Medicare coverage and claims for medical equipment and supplies. Click to search for medical and equipment suppliers, or contact 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
- Livanta
- Medicare quality of care complaints, hospital notification that informs you Medicare will no longer pay for your stay. Contact 1-888-755-8850
- Iowa Department on Aging
- Information and resources for older persons and their caregivers. Contact 515-725-3333 or 800-532-3213
- Lifelong Links
- Iowa's Aging and Disability Resource Center, linking you to resources to help plan for long-term independent living
- Iowa Department of Health and Human Services
- Information on programs for those with limited income and resources. Contact your local county office.
- Iowa Insurance Division
- Licenses and regulates companies selling insurance products in Iowa. Contact 877-955-1212
- Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs
- For information on Veteran's services and benefits contact your local County Veterans Office