Free Medicare Information Seminar at MRHC on November 28

Medicare event

Medicare open enrollment is going on now until December 7th. Keep in mind that Medicare plans can change coverage, premiums, co-payments, co-insurance, and provider networks every year. Ensure your plan meets your needs and is the most affordable option by attending the free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on November 28th from 7-9pm at MRHC.

Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 24th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

This free seminar, offered by MRHC and the State of Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), a free and confidential service, will cover Medicare Parts A & B benefits, Prescription Drug Benefits (Part D), Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare supplement insurance, as well as share tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Even if you do not yet qualify for Medicare, MRHC’s volunteer SHIIP Counselor, Nancy Danner, recommends that “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.”

If you are unable to attend the seminar, Danner is 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 MRHC at 712-655-2072. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.

Danner to Offer Senior Health Insurance Information Services at MRHC

Nancy Danner

Where can I go to find answers about Medicare prescription drug plans? What is a Medicare Advantage plan? My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?

Answers to these and other Medicare questions can be found by meeting with Nancy Danner, Manning Regional Healthcare Center’s new Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor. Danner is at MRHC to meet with individuals every Wednesday by appointment. Nancy Danner

“We’re so excited to welcome Nancy in her new role as a SHIIP counselor,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “She will be a great resource for individuals turning 65, those who are considering changing Medicare benefits, or for anyone simply wanting to learn more about their current benefits.”

SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the State of Iowa. Danner completed extensive training and shadowing before being certified. In her role at MRHC, Danner will provide information to aid in Medicare decision-making and answer questions related to Medicare itself, benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Advantage plans, Medicare Part D plans, Medicare insurance claims, and how to guard against becoming a victim of Medicare fraud. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but will be able to answer questions and provide impartial information to help residents make informed decisions and assist people who have a limited income.

“The best time to start getting information is before you actually need it, so I recommend at least 6-12 months before someone turns 65 years old,” Danner recommended.

Danner worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and then a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years prior to retiring in August and transitioning to this volunteer position.

“I wanted to volunteer for something that was really needed,” Danner shared. “SHIIP helped my husband and I when we had to make Medicare-related decisions and we found the volunteer counselors were very helpful.”

Danner and her husband Rich live on a farm southeast of Templeton and have two grown sons, Chris and Matt.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call MRHC at 712-655-8100. If a client is only wishing to talk on the phone, they may leave their phone number and Danner will return their call.