What is SHIIP?
SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) is a free, confidential and unbiased service to help individuals sort through confusing information about Medicare and health insurance.
Our services include explaining Medicare benefits and rights, comparing and evaluating Medicare Advantage,Medicare supplement andMedicare Part D prescription drug plans. SHIIP counselors can help with applications for assistance with Medicare and Medicare prescription drug costs.
SHIIP is a unique government program. Iowa’s program was organized in 1990 under the Iowa Insurance Division. Today there is a senior health information program in every state, district and territory.
Iowa’s SHIIP has almost 350 counselors in 110 locations in 89 Iowa counties. SHIIP services helped persons on Medicare save over $15 million this past year.
What kind of services does SHIIP provide?
SHIIP counselors assist with eliminating the confusion about Medicare.
SHIIP counselors provide Part D drug plan comparisons; explaining the options, costs, advantages and restrictions (quantity limits, prior authorizations, step therapy). Part D drug plans include coverage for insulin (not administered by a pump), anti-diabetic drugs and supplies (syringes, needles, swabs, gauze and inhaled insulin devices).
If your patients are having trouble paying for their prescriptions or other medical costs, SHIIP counselors can screen your patients to see if they are eligible for Medicare Part D“Extra Help”or if they qualify for one of the Medicare Savings Programs or Medicaid.
- Patients receiving Part D Extra Help get help with medication costs, which include insulin, anti-diabetic drugs and diabetic supplies.
- Patients receiving MSP (Medicare Savings Program) benefits get help paying for their Part B premium and may qualify for help paying Medicare Part and Part B deductibles and co-payments.
- Patients receiving Medicaid don’t need or can suspend their Medicare supplement coverage and they receive assistance with Part D drug costs.
SHIIP counselors also evaluate Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan coverage, which reduces financial responsibility for Part B deductibles and co-insurance.
- Those on Medicarewithout coverage have a greater financial burden and may not seek the services needed to properly manage their diabetes
How does SHIIP change the lives of diabetic patients?
SHIIP can help your diabetic patients understand Medicare and find coverage for their drugs, supplies and services. When financial barriers are eliminated, patients are more likely to listen and comply with the medication, treatment and nutrition recommendations of their Diabetic Educator.
When diabetes is better managed, life-threatening complications are reduced and hospital admissions and re-admissions are eliminated.
As a Diabetic Educator, you help patients achieve goals to better manage their diabetes and lead fulfilling lives. SHIIP counselors can support these efforts by assisting your Medicare patients with health coverage issues so they can make informed decisions and get the resources they need.
Where is the nearest SHIIP location and how do I make a referral?
Location Name:Address:
Phone:
Notes for Making a Referral:
Alternatively, SHIIP can be reached a 800-351-4664 or by visiting our website,
- Click on “Find a SHIIP counselor”
- A map of Iowa will appear; select the appropriate county
- A list of SHIIP locations and phone numbers will be provided
SHIIP can do educational presentations for your patients on “Medicare and Diabetes.”
To Schedule a presentation contact:Name:
Phone number