The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, objective, and confidential service offered through the state of Iowa to help people understand Medicare and determine eligibility for financial assistance or benefits.
Audubon County Memorial Hospital (ACMH) continues to partner with SHIIP to bring this service to our community. SHIIP volunteer counselors are trained by the state of Iowa to inform, educate, and help those turning 65 navigate the ins and outs of Medicare.
Audubon County’s SHIIP volunteer counselor, Ana Kauffman, has been providing one-on-one services at ACMH since 2022 to provide this free service from SHIIP. Kauffman states that, “As SHIIP Counselors, we educate and help individuals understand the complexities of Medicare so that they can make informed choices when it comes to their health care needs and health care costs.”
Ana is available to help you with your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period, as you approach 65, or during Special Enrollment Period, upon retirement beyond 65. No matter if you are still working and on your company health insurance or retired, Ana Kauffman can help you with your healthcare choices (and costs).
Additionally, during Open Enrollment Period each year, from October 15th through December 7th, Kauffman is also available to help you review your drug plan for the following year. This assistance with the Part D, Prescription Drug Plans, compares your current medication cost with other plans to ensure you are receiving the best value. “It is helpful to review this information every year during Open Enrollment because it may change from year to year,” said Kauffman.
Appointments are being made now for the 2025 Open Enrollment Period. Kauffman encourages those that would like an appointment to “Call ahead and book your appointment before the busy holiday season begins. I am happy to send a reminder message to you for your appointment.”
The next free Welcome to Medicare Seminar is September 18, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM in the Community Health Center at Audubon Hospital.
To make an appointment with Ana Kauffman for any Medicare needs or concerns, contact the Audubon SHIIP Office, located at ACMH at 712-563-5309 or email Kauffman at anak@acmhhosp.org. These services are free and are available in-person, by phone, or virtually.
