More people than ever before took advantage this year of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program open enrollment in Jasper County, with nearly 700 clients seen by local volunteers. Individuals took advantage of this program to ensure they were in the least expensive Prescription Part D drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan with their specific medications for 2015.
The sponsor for SHIIP in Newton is Skiff Medical Center, which provides meeting space, computers and printing for the program.
There are currently seven SHIIP volunteers trained in Jasper County: coordinator Terry Townsend, Lois Vogel, Tom Hoover, Ken Mergen, Carol Hopkey, Carol Jones and Dennis Julius. The number of volunteers has grown significantly from just two in 2010. The volunteers work together in the Skiff computer lab two or more full days each week during open enrollment, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year.
“Working together gives each of us the opportunity to problem-solve and learn from each other,” Vogel said. “The SHIIP volunteer role gets more complicated each year and our team of volunteers are a great group to support and help each other.”
Townsend reported that there were 675 client contacts, a number which has grown from 347 in 2010.
The volunteers saved the clients who used the service more than $256,000 in 2013. While the total for this year will not be available until January, it is expected to be even higher. According to the volunteers, the great appreciation from the clients they serve is what makes the volunteer job so worthwhile.
The SHIIP volunteers are available all year for insurance questions on supplement plans, Medicare Advantage plans, getting extra help with drug cost and premiums for individuals who meet the income guidelines.
The local SHIIP volunteers can be reached by calling 641-791-4899.