Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025, and MRHC invites the community to learn more at a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on September 24th from 7-9 pm. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by September 16th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.
The seminar aims to help prepare individuals for Medicare open enrollment, which runs from October 15th to December 7th, and provide attendees with valuable information about the upcoming Medicare changes, including:
- A cap on out-of-pocket drug spending: Starting in 2025, Medicare beneficiaries with Part D coverage will have an annual out-of-pocket drug spending cap of $2,000, a significant reduction from the previous limit.
- The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan: This optional program allows beneficiaries to spread out the costs of their prescription drugs over the year.
- Attendees will also learn about Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy program, which can help reduce prescription costs for eligible individuals.
This free seminar, offered by MRHC and the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free and confidential service, will also 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.
If you are unable to attend on September 24th, an additional Medicare seminar will be held at MRHC on November 26th. MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner is also available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals by appointment. She can provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of 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 who have a limited income.
Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can 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.