–Local volunteers helped area Medicare recipients save over $430,000 last year when they examined changes for 2026. Marla Steier is one of the volunteers with the Senior Health Insurance Information Program in Kossuth County, better known as SHIIP, who offer counseling sessions for those already enrolled and for anyone who just turned 65 and will enroll in Medicare for the first time. Steier tells KLGA News the biggest savings come by reviewing changes to the Medicare prescription drug plans.
The Kossuth SHIIP program consists of six volunteers who were able to assist nearly 1,000 area Medicare recipients completely free of charge.
Many times, an in-person meeting is not necessary, and one of the SHIIP counselors writes what are called “Rollover” letters to clients.
Medicare open enrollment begins in the middle of October, but for those who may have some questions before then, especially for anyone who may be turning 65 this year, Steier will be holding some Medicare informational meetings this spring.
SHIIP services are free of charge, confidential, and objective, as counselors are available to help anyone on Medicare with questions about the drug benefit. For more information about SHIIP counseling at KRHC, you can call 515-295-4658. Anyone interested in becoming a SHIIP volunteer can send a message to shiipalgona4@gmail.com.
