New SHIIP Counselor Offering Medicare Information in Grinnell

“Where can I go to find answers about the Medicare prescription drug plans?  Are mammograms covered by Medicare Part B?  What is a Medicare Advantage plan?

I’m turning 65—who can help me understand Medicare?  My medications have gotten so expensive I just can’t afford to take them all, is there any help?”

Answers to these questions can be found by meeting with Gary Cook or any of the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers in Grinnell.

Cook recently completed the extensive training program conducted by the State of Iowa Insurance Division. He has been in the Grinnell community since 1974, where he and his wife Bev raised their two sons, Bryan and Kevin. When Cook retired from Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company, he chose to donate his time as an insurance counselor because he feels insurance is his area of expertise and he is uniquely qualified to help the community.

“I really encourage everyone to give back in some manner that they feel comfortable doing,” Cook said. “My experiences made the SHIIP program a good place for me.”

He had been volunteering at GRMC for years as a driver of a courier van until he was asked to come on board with SHIIP. Although the summer months are slow, appointments will begin to pick up in the fall.

Autumn is a time to go back and review your insurance program as the year is coming to an end, and think about any changes that you might want to make in your healthcare plans.

People wishing to schedule an appointment with a SHIIP counselor should call 641-236-2588.

SHIIP, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, was created in 1990 in response to the statewide need for senior health insurance information.  SHIIP provides free informational materials as well as one-to-one assistance with questions and problems related to Medicare benefits, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare and insurance claims and other related issues.  SHIIP does not recommend insurance companies, plans or agents; the volunteers answer questions and provide impartial information to help Iowans on Medicare make well-informed decisions.