Guthrie County Hospital has been named an official sponsor of the Senior Health Insurance Information and Senior Medicare Patrol (SHIIP-SMP) programs, a service of the State of Iowa. SHIIP-SMP volunteers provide local, in-depth, and unbiased one-to-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Guthrie County Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. SHIIP-SMP also provides community outreach on Medicare and how to guard against Medicare fraud.
SHIIP-SMP helps consumers navigate the complexities of Medicare and saves them money by:
- Explaining Medicare benefits and rights
- Comparing Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, and other drug plans
- Understanding Medicare enrollment periods and preventative benefits
- Finding assistance programs that help with Medicare costs and Medicare drug plans
- Learning how to protect themselves and their loved ones from Medicare scams
“We are pleased to have Guthrie County Hospital join us as an official sponsor site,” said Kristin, Griffith, SHIIP-SMP Director for the State of Iowa Insurance Division. “The SHIIP-SMP program has a great track record for saving Iowans money and helping them with Medicare questions and problems. Statewide in 2022 the program served almost 60,000 Medicare beneficiaries.”
“Our SHIIP-SMP volunteers have completed an extensive training program and are certified each year. We are fortunate to have knowledgeable, trained SHIIP-SMP volunteer such as Mary Wardyn as part our team. Guthrie County Hospital encourages Guthrie County consumers to connect with SHIIP-SMP services by calling (641) 332-3828 and making an appointment,” said Lisa Wolfe, Interim Co-CEO/Chief Operating Officer of Guthrie County Hospital.