Free Medicare Information Seminars at MRHC in 2025

Medicare event

Looking for Medicare assistance? MRHC is hosting free “Welcome to Medicare” seminars throughout the year on March 25th, May 27th, July 29th, September 30th, and November 25th from 7-9 pm 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 tips to help individuals identify Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Interested individuals should 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 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.”

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, benefits, plan options, claims, and how to guard against 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.

Anyone interested in making an appointment with Danner can email shiip.counselor@mrhcia.com or call 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 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.