SHIIP-SMP Sponsor Site Awards Go To…
While SHIIP-SMP volunteers are best known for providing one-on-one Medicare counseling- including helping Medicare beneficiaries compare their plan options - they do so much more!
Starting in 2021, volunteers at two SHIIP-SMP Sponsor Sites have been recognized for being the “Best in State” at helping clients find financial assistance to cover Medicare costs and helping clients avoid Medicare fraud, scams and abuse. This year the awards were presented to UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center and Lucas County Health Center.
MIPPA Best in State Award - UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center
The MIPPA Award celebrates a site where volunteers prioritize screening clients about their income and assets to identify eligibility for financial assistance covering Part B premiums and drug costs. That means taking the extra time to talk with clients to understand their unique financial situations, and then ensuring they get support completing applications for assistance. UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center is proud to have SHIIP counselors Kathy Szary, Patricia Thompson, and Jan Phelps helping clients who need it most.
Brooke Holder, the SHIIP-SMP Sponsor Coordinator at UnityPoint Health Grinnell Regional Medical Center, thanked the SHIIP volunteer team by saying “The hardworking women in Poweshiek County that donate their time and countless hours to the SHIIP Program 100% deserve this award. Our counselors Pat, Jan and Kathy, and schedulers Barb and Janet volunteer year-round to ensure that the residents of Poweshiek County have the knowledge and accessibility to the correct information for their healthcare coverage. I am beyond proud of their hard work and dedication to this cause.”
SMP Best in State Award – Lucas County Health Center
The SMP Award celebrates volunteers who are building awareness and educating their clients on how to avoid common Medicare fraud and scams. This includes tips on when to hang up, spotting false ads, and the advice to NEVER share your Medicare number over the phone. Learn more about common Medicare scams and how to protect yourself by reading the most recent SMP Spotlight.
The SHIIP-SMP volunteer team at Lucas County Health Center has now been recognized in the top 3 SMP Best in State Awards every year since the awards were introduced in 2021. SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors Mike Miller, Steve Bright and Linda Jurgens take pride in making sure clients are aware of risks and how they can protect themselves from Medicare fraud and scams.
SHIIP-SMP Sponsor Coordinator at Lucas County Health Center, Kristine Kennedy, shares “Our SHIIP program is essential to our community. By providing free education and support, we help individuals make informed decisions about their Medicare options. This award reflects the dedication of our volunteers and their passion for serving our community.”
“At SHIIP-SMP we are grateful to work with dedicated volunteers who consistently go the extra mile to support their clients. Helping ensure clients can afford their Medicare Insurance, and providing education to prevent clients from falling victims to Medicare scams are critical pieces of the SHIIP-SMP benefit in our communities.” emphasized Kristin Griffith, SHIIP-SMP Director.