Medicare Part D Event & Welcome to Medicare Seminar

Medicare events

Manning Regional Healthcare Center reminds Medicare beneficiaries to review their Prescription Drug Plans or Medicare Advantage Plan options during the Open Enrollment Period, which runs until December 7, as Medicare is undergoing significant changes in 2025.

MRHC will host a special Medicare Part D enrollment event on Friday, November 22nd to help area residents compare and answer questions regarding Medicare Part D plans offered for 2025.

“The coverage and cost of Medicare plans tend to change each year,” said Amy McLaughlin, CPA, Chief Financial Officer at MRHC. “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 be available on the 22nd to provide free, unbiased, and confidential assistance. Appointments are required and can be made by calling (712) 655-2072. Participants should plan for 45 minutes and bring a listing of all recent medications and current or old Medicare cards.

During the 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 for plans can change from year to year.

If you are new to Medicare, MRHC is hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on Tuesday, November 26th from 7-9 pm. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by November 18th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

This seminar, offered by 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 tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. The seminar aims to help prepare individuals for Medicare open enrollment 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.
  • Medicare Savings Programs and the Part D Low Income Subsidy program. These can help reduce prescription costs for eligible individuals.

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.

Free Medicare Seminar on September 24 to Address 2025 Changes

Medicare event

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.

Nancy DannerIf 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.

 

MRHC SHIIP Earns Governor’s Volunteer Award

Medicare

SHIIP AwardMRHC 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.

Over the past two decades, three individuals have spearheaded SHIIP at MRHC: Sally Hodne, Dee Schmitz, and currently, Nancy Danner. Each of these volunteers has shared a deep commitment to helping friends, neighbors, and community members navigate the complexities of Medicare and make well-informed choices about their health coverage.

“It’s been incredibly rewarding to see the impact we can have,” shared Nancy Danner. “Helping people understand their Medicare options takes away a lot of stress and empowers them to make the best decisions for their health.”

Offered by the State of Iowa, SHIIP provides free, confidential, and unbiased services. SHIIP volunteers provide personalized insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP counselors guide individuals on Medicare-related topics such as understanding Medicare Advantage plans, choosing the right Medicare prescription drug plan, navigating Medicare claims, protecting against Medicare fraud, and obtaining assistance for those with limited income.

Whether you’re approaching 65, considering changes to your Medicare plan, or want to learn more about your current benefits, Danner is available every Wednesday at MRHC to meet with individuals by appointment. Having served as a registered nurse, certified physician assistant, and certified medical coder, she possesses a deep understanding of the healthcare system and Medicare complexities. She will not provide recommendations for plans or agents but can answer questions and provide impartial information to help individuals make educated decisions. To schedule a consultation, call (712) 655-2072 or email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com.

Free Medicare Information Seminar on March 26th

Medicare event

MRHC will be hosting a free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on March 26th, from 7-9 pm for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.

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

Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by March 19th to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

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.”

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 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. Click here to learn more.

Medicare Information Seminars at MRHC in 2024

Nancy Danner

Where can I go to find answers about Medicare prescription drug plans? What is a Medicare Advantage plan? I’m new to Medicare, how do I know what plan is right for me?

MRHC will be hosting free “Welcome to Medicare” seminars throughout the year on March 26th, May 28th, July 30th, September 24th, and November 26th from 7-9pm for anyone interested in learning more about Medicare.

These seminars, 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, and share tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 one week prior to the seminar to register. Attendees should enter through the Emergency entrance and follow the posted signs.

Nancy Danner

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.”

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. Click here to learn more.

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.

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.

Free Medicare Information Seminar at MRHC on September 26

Medicare event

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 attending the free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on September 26th from 7-9pm at MRHC. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by September 22nd 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.

Nancy DannerEven 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 on September 26th, another Medicare seminar will be held at MRHC on November 28th. 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 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.

Free Medicare Information Seminar at MRHC on July 18

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 attending the free “Welcome to Medicare” seminar on July 18th from 7-9pm at MRHC. Interested individuals must call (712) 655-2072 by July 10 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 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.” Nancy Danner

If you are unable to attend on July 18th, additional Medicare seminars will be held at MRHC on September 26th and November 28th. 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 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.

MRHC Helps Individuals Ease into Retirement

Thrive close to home

As it has become more common for semi-retired or retired individuals to choose to continue working in a part-time or less intensive role, MRHC has taken notice and taken action to accommodate this emerging trend in employment.

“This is a great way for individuals to transition into retirement as well as retain and attract high-quality staff who might want to cut back on working full-time, eliminate travel, or simply remain connected within healthcare. And it has been a win-win for us,” said MRHC CEO, Linn Block, RN, BSN, MHA.

This is the case for Nancy Danner who worked as a registered nurse for 27 years in the Carroll County area, a Certified Physician Assistant for 16 years in Manning, and a Certified Medical Coder at MRHC the last four years. After retiring in August, she has since transitioned to a volunteer position as Senior Health Insurance Information (SHIIP) counselor at MRHC. Nancy Danner drop out

“I will be 70 in October, but 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 meets with individuals every Wednesday by appointment and provides information to aid in Medicare decision-making.

“I very much like the environment at the hospital, and I feel comfortable with the employees. I am happy to be able to continue to help the people of the Manning area as a SHIIP volunteer counselor,” Danner said.

Three other MRHC employees were able to take advantage of part-time roles as they looked to ease into retirement or take on less demanding jobs but continue to play an important role in healthcare.

Mindi Boyle now works as the Care Coordinator and Discharge Planner at MRHC after working in healthcare for 28 years. Boyle started her career at the Business Office at MRHC and spent 13 years filling a variety of roles at the hospital. After making a career change and receiving her four-year degree, Boyle worked as the Social Services Coordinator at the Manning Plaza for 15 years. Mindi Boyle

“After working for MRHC for 26 years, coming back felt like coming home,” said Boyle. “Working in a hospital setting has allowed me to continue to learn new things, help people, and stay connected in the healthcare arena on a part-time basis. I appreciate MRHC giving me the opportunity to continue working in healthcare and serving patients in a little different capacity than I had previously.”

Even after being away from the hospital setting for 15 years, MRHC staff have helped Boyle’s transition go as smoothly as possible and made it feel like she never left.

“Everyone at MRHC has been so welcoming and helpful. There is a team approach facility-wide to ensure that everyone, employees and staff, are taken care of with the utmost respect and care. We are fortunate to have such a progressive, professional, and compassionate healthcare facility in our community, and I am proud to be a part of that again,” shared Boyle.

Similarly, when Becki Ehlers reached retirement age after working in healthcare for over 30 years, nine of those spent in Admissions at MRHC, two as a receptionist at the Manning dental office, and 18 years as a chiropractic assistant and secretary, she was grateful to find a part-time role at MRHC. After seeing that the hospital needed a screener during the pandemic, she stepped out of retirement. Becki Ehlers

“I wanted to help patients again because I missed being around people.” Ehlers shared. “I liked the options that were presented to me for a retired individual. I enjoy being around people, and I can still help out with my grandchildren and spend time with friends and family.”

Ehlers was able to continue working after her services were not needed as a screener anymore, and she now works part time in the HIM department.

After 48 years in healthcare, Laurie Stein is coming back to work part-time at MRHC as she transitions into retirement. Stein started her career in healthcare in Sac City as a medical assistant before becoming a certified medical assistant (CMA) and working in the Manning clinic for 35 years, seven of which she served as a CMA for Nancy Danner. She obtained her RN degree in 2010 and started at MRHC as a surgical and specialty nurse the following year. She obtained her BSN degree in 2013 and has been at the Carroll VA since then, providing primary care and mental health nursing to local veterans.

Laurie Stein drop out photo“I wanted to be closer to home instead of having to drive 20 plus miles one way to work every day,” shared Stein, RN, BSN.  “I thought it would be great to come back full circle to the clinic setting that I originally started at when I first came to Manning.”

Stein will be assisting MRHC transition to their new electronic health record system and working as a nurse as needed in the clinic. Not only is she looking forward to being back at MRHC, she is appreciative of the opportunity to continue working in healthcare with less stress and more time for herself.

“This part-time status will allow flexibility in my schedule so I can enjoy some retirement time such as freedom to travel and more time for volunteer work in the community that I am very passionate about,” Stein said. “I know a lot of the staff at MRHC so I feel that I will fit in well with the team environment, and I am looking forward to working with everyone. I haven’t even started, and I already feel welcome.”

If you would like to join the MRHC team, visit www.mrhcia.com/careers or call (712) 655-2072 for more information on current job openings.

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.