Local volunteer health insurance counselors needed – The Storm Lake Times

SHIIP volunteers Sue Geisinger and Kathryn McKinley in their corner of the BVRMC Specialty Clinic where most of their counseling is done.

For many Iowans, understanding Medicare and related health insurance can be overwhelming.

In Buena Vista County, Gary Rosene, Sue Geisinger and Kathryn McKinley have been the loyal go-to volunteers to help with questions like “Where do I start? What are my options? Am I making the right decision? What will it cost me?  Is there help if I can’t afford my insurance? If I’m still working, do I have to sign up for Medicare?”

Last month Rosene retired after 10 years of this important volunteer service, leaving Geisinger and McKinley hoping that more volunteers come forward.

Trained Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program volunteers help answer questions about navigating health care insurance options for Iowans on Medicare. 

The free health insurance counseling service of the State of Iowa Insurance Division is sponsored locally by Buena Vista Regional Medical Center.

Could you be a SHIIP volunteer? 

Across the state, currently more than 350 trained volunteers assist thousands of Iowans each year to understand their Medicare benefits and options through individual counseling sessions, community education, special projects, and making connections in their communities. But more counselors are needed, especially in Buena Vista County. 

Who makes a good counselor? 

If you are someone who enjoys tackling new challenges, likes learning new information, gains satisfaction from helping people, has good computer skills, can work with diverse populations, and can be an objective and trusted source of information, this may be a great fit for you.  

SHIIP provides excellent training and resources to assure SHIIP volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for the counseling and community education.

“It’s interesting the number of people who came in for the first time this year,” said Geisinger. Last year, of course, most of the counseling had to be done virtually because of Covid-19.

One of the most satisfying parts of volunteering for McKinley is helping people save money. Upon her suggestion, one man is now paying less in a year than he previously had been paying per month.

But lots of people have trouble with just the basics. “Not everybody is comfortable going onto the computer,” said McKinley.

For more information about becoming a SHIIP volunteer counselor go to:  web site SHIIP.iowa.gov or email [email protected] or call 800-351-4664

If you are in need of Medicare counseling, please call Danielle Schlenger at 712-213-8683.