Manning Regional Healthcare Center (MRHC) reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plan options during the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, which ends December 7, 2025.
MRHC will host a special Medicare Part D enrollment event on Friday, November 14th, to help area residents compare and answer questions regarding Medicare Part D plans offered for 2026. MRHC staff will be available on the 14th to provide free, confidential assistance and guide patients to the Medicare D prescription drug plan that best suits their medications.
“The coverage and cost of Medicare plans tend to change each year,” said MRHC Chief Financial Officer Amy McLaughlin, CPA. “Meeting with MRHC staff and volunteers can help people understand the Medicare options better and potentially save them money as a result.”
MRHC staff will not sign patients up for a Medicare plan on the 14th but can refer individuals to a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) representative if needed. If someone requires assistance for their supplement, they can see a SHIIP representative as well.
Appointments are required for the 14th and can be made by calling (712) 655-2072. Participants should plan for 45 minutes and bring a list of all recent medications and current or old Medicare cards. If a couple comes together, they need to pick back-to-back times, or each take a slot with a different person at the same time.
Open Enrollment Reminders
During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period, MRHC reminds residents to do three important things:
- Read notices from your Medicare plan about changes for next year – especially your “Annual Notice of Change” letter. Review your plan’s information to make sure the prescriptions you use are still covered, and your medical providers and pharmacy are still in network.
- Think about what matters most to you. Medicare health and drug plans change each year, and so can your health needs. Does your current plan best meet your needs?
- Shop for the plans that meet your needs and fit your budget. Compare plans even if you’ve been satisfied with your current plan. The coverage and costs can change from year to year.
“Welcome to Medicare” Seminar
If you are new to Medicare, MRHC is hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on Tuesday, November 25th, from 7-9 pm. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 17th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.
This is a free and confidential seminar that will cover Medicare Parts A & B benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement insurance, as well as tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. The seminar aims to help prepare individuals for open enrollment and provide attendees with valuable information about any Medicare changes.
If you are unable to attend either event, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals. She can provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to avoid Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but can answer questions and provide impartial information to help individuals make educated decisions and assist people with a limited income.
To schedule an appointment with Danner, please email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call 712-655-2072. If a client only wishes to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number, and Danner will return their call.
Even if you’re not eligible for Medicare, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, encourages early education. “The best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I advise thinking about it at least 6–12 months before someone turns 65 years old,” she says.
Even if you do not yet qualify for Medicare, MRHC’s volunteer 
MRHC is proud to announce that its Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has received the Iowa Governor’s Volunteer Award for its 20 years of dedicated service to the community. This prestigious award acknowledges the tireless efforts of volunteers who have played a vital role in empowering area residents to make informed decisions about their health insurance options after the age of 65.