DAVENPORT, Iowa — Medicare open enrollment for 2023 has now started and will last until Dec. 7.
This period allows older Americans to adjust their coverage or enroll in a new plan. It can be a confusing process, but there are resources available to help clear up the muddy waters.
The Senior Health Insurance Information Program, or SHIIP, counsels Medicare users on the plan that fits their needs the best. Davenport's Center for Active Seniors, better known as CASI, has three SHIIP counselors on-site free of charge.
"Having someone who is an expert in that area who can kind of sift through all those details and funnel it down in a way that is much easier to understand, I think that's where the benefit really comes in," CASI CEO Laura Kopp said. "It really is a confusing process for many of us."
SHIIP counselors recommend you look into Medicare open enrollment every single year, even if you're content with your coverage. They say different pharmacies have different drug costs and prices for plans change annually. One SHIIP counselor told News 8 that on Monday alone she met with six people and all six changed their plans to save money.
"We want to make sure that we know what their prescription drug costs are...what prescriptions they're on, what kinds of services that they need, and what kinds of insurance they have access to elsewhere so that we can help them to make the best decisions," Kopp said.
CASI says you don't have to use their services to book an appointment with one of their SHIIP counselors. Just give CASI a call and they will set you up. There are also seven SHIIP counselors at Genesis West Medical Center in Davenport.
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