Medicare open enrollment begins

MARENGO — Every year between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 Iowans on Medicare may review and make changes to their drug plans or Medicare Advantage.

The Part D and Medicare Advantage plans can change their coverage, premiums, co-payments and provider networks every year, said Compass Memorial Healthcare in a press release.

It is important that Iowans on Medicare use this time to review changes to their current plans, and compare with plans available to them in 2025.

This OEP will be an especially important year for Medicare beneficiaries. With the implementation of a $2,000 cap on prescription drugs co-payments in 2025, there may be significant changes to plan premiums, deductibles and formularies.

Resources are available through the Iowa Insurance Division to compare plans and make an informed decision, Campass said.

The Senior Health Insurance Information and Senior Medicare Patrol programs are free, confidential and unbiased services offered by the State of Iowa.

SHIIP-SMP volunteers provide one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance at no cost to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families and caregivers.

SHIIP-SMP also provides community outreach and education on Medicare financial assistance eligibility, and how to guard against Medicare fraud. In Iowa County, SHIIP-SMP services are made available at Compass Memorial Healthcare.

To connect with SHIIP-SMP services, call 319-642-8046 and make an appointment, said Joanna Shade, SHIIP Coordinator.