Medicare Open Enrollment Assistance Offered at GCMH

Each year between October 15th and December 7th, Iowans who utilize Medicare for their health insurance benefits have the opportunity to review and make changes to their prescription drug plan (known as Part D coverage) or Medicare Advantage plan for the following year.

Volunteers can help with this decision-making process at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital in Grundy Center. Two trained SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) volunteers are available Monday through Friday by appointment.

Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments and provider networks every year. It is important that Medicare beneficiaries use Open Enrollment as a time to review changes to their current plan and compare with plans available to them in 2026. Appointments are now being scheduled for the free service, and Medicare-eligible individuals are encouraged to call now to schedule an appointment well before the December 7th deadline for making changes. The phone number for the hospital’s Schedulers is 319-824-5081.

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program is free, confidential and offers unbiased guidance for Medicare beneficiaries who need help determining which plans are best for their individual circumstances. Darla Huisman and Stacie Dudden both offer one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers.

The Iowa SHIIP program also provides community outreach and education on Medicare financial assistance eligibility, and how to guard against Medicare fraud. “The SHIIP program has a great track record for saving Iowans money and helping them with Medicare questions and problems. Appointments may be made at the Grundy County Memorial Hospital by phoning 319-824-5081 Monday through Friday.