Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers needed

For many Iowans, understanding Medicare and related health insurance can be confusing and overwhelming. Where do I start? What are my options? Am I making the right decision? What will it cost me?  Is there help if I can’t afford my insurance? If I’m still working, do I have to sign up for Medicare?

Trained Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers can help answer these and other questions about navigating health care insurance options for Iowans on Medicare. SHIIP is a free health insurance counseling service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division sponsored locally by Veterans Memorial Hospital.

Could you be a SHIIP volunteer? Across the state, currently 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, especially in northeast Iowa.

Who makes a good counselor? Someone who enjoys tackling new challenges, likes learning new information, gains satisfaction from helping people, has good computer skills, can work with diverse populations, and can be an objective and trusted source of information may be a great fit for this role.

SHIIP provides excellent training and resources to assure SHIIP volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for the counseling and community education.

For more information about becoming a SHIIP volunteer counselor go to SHIIP.iowa.gov or email SHIIP@iid.iowa.gov or call 1-800-351-4664. Also, feel free to call Veterans Memorial Hospital at 563-568-3411 to learn more information. SHIIP services are free, confidential and unbiased.