Statewide Iowa — Beginning this week, over 28,000 Iowa Medicare beneficiaries will receive a letter from the Social Security Administration telling them that they may be eligible for help with their out-of-pocket medical and drug expenses. The State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program, or “SHIIP” encourages beneficiaries who receive these letters to contact SHIIP to learn how they can potentially save hundreds of dollars through the Medicare Savings Programand Part D Extra Help.
SHIIP says the letters are sent annually to people with Medicare with limited incomes who could be eligible for-but are not enrolled in these programs. The Medicare Savings Programs help with Medicare out-of-pocket costs. Medicare Part D Extra Help lowers the costs of prescription drugs.
Although at first glance, the letters may appear to be a scam, they are not a scam, according to Kris Gross, Director of SHIIP. Gross says that they are an important notice that people on Medicare should review and consider. SHIIP can help determine if you’re eligible, apply, and understand these new benefits once you’re approved, according to Gross.
He says you can contact SHIIP at 1-800-351-4664 (TTY 800-735-2942) if you have questions about this assistance or other Medicare topics. SHIIP’s services are free, confidential and objective. They do not promote or sell any insurance products.
