O’Brien County, Iowa — As a department of the State of Iowa Insurance Division, Senior Health Insurance Information Program/Senior Medicare Patrol (SHIIP/SMP) volunteers, continues to help Medicare recipients understand their Medicare options.
Mike Otto has been a SHIIP/SMP volunteer for over 15 years, beginning his volunteer service in 2006. Five years ago, he was joined by Carol Brinkert, and then in June of this year, Mary Helfter and Deb Schueller joined Otto and Brinkert volunteering to serve O’Brien County Residents with Medicare.
Medicare Open Enrollment is the busiest time for volunteers. It started on October 15th, and is continuing until December 7th, and is an opportunity for all Medicare recipients to change their Part D or Medicare Advantage plans. Although open enrollment is by far their busiest time, volunteers counsel people throughout the year who are eligible for Medicare.
The SHIPP/SMP sponsor for O’Brien County is MercyOne Primghar Family Practice Clinic. The SHIIP/SMP office is in the Primghar clinic.
There are a number of ways that people can recieve assistance, including in-person, Zoom, and phone. When O’Brien County residents call 712-957-5579, leave a message with your name and phone number, and a SHIIP/SMP volunteer will reach out to you via phone to schedule your appointment. If you live outside O’Brien County, you can reach out to find your local SHIIP/SMP office by calling 800-351-4664.
