17 Resources
Official Iowa State Health Insurance Assistance Program operator. Real state agency providing free Medicare counseling. Verified via shiphelp.org. Worth a call for anyone navigating Annual Enrollment, dual eligibility with Medicaid, or appealing a coverage denial. Most questions can be answered online or by phone; there's no eligibility screening to call. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Free, confidential, and available to any Iowa resident...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Official US Medicare site. Compare plans, find providers, understand Parts A/B/C/D, and check coverage. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 24/7. Helpful for retirees, family caregivers, and adults under 65 with disability who qualify after 24 months on SSDI. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Official federal Medicaid information. Eligibility, benefits, and state Medicaid program directory. Built for older adults choosing between Parts A, B, C, and D — especially during the seven-month Initial Enrollment window. Counselors walk through specific plans by name, compare drug costs side by side, and flag Medicare Savings Program eligibility. Many users come away with a $40–200/month reduction in Part D drug costs they didn't know they qualified for. No cost to older adults or the people...
Nationwide · Online
Free unbiased Medicare counseling in every state. Find your state's SHIP for one-on-one help. Useful for seniors 65+ enrolling for the first time, weighing Original Medicare against Advantage plans, or trying to lower drug costs. Most questions can be answered online or by phone; there's no eligibility screening to call. A first-stop for anyone confused by Medicare's Initial, Special, or General Enrollment Periods. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
National nonprofit helping older adults and people with disabilities navigate Medicare. Free helpline 1-800-333-4114. Most relevant for low-income seniors who may qualify for Extra Help, QMB, SLMB, or QI without realizing it. Expect a 10–25 minute conversation depending on how detailed the situation is; bring a current med list to speed things up. Especially valuable for seniors getting pressure from Medicare Advantage sales calls or door-to-door enrollment pitches. Free of charge — no eligibility...
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Legal advocacy for Medicare rights, especially appeals and complex coverage issues. Useful for seniors 65+ enrolling for the first time, weighing Original Medicare against Advantage plans, or trying to lower drug costs. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Plain-language guide to Medicare from the Medicare Rights Center. Free questions answered. Most relevant for low-income seniors who may qualify for Extra Help, QMB, SLMB, or QI without realizing it. Online tools cover plan comparison; phone is faster for situational questions like spouse coverage or COBRA timing. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Free, confidential, and available to any Iowa resident who needs the information.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Empowers seniors to detect, prevent, and report Medicare fraud. Free help in every state. Worth a call for anyone navigating Annual Enrollment, dual eligibility with Medicaid, or appealing a coverage denial. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. A neutral alternative to insurance brokers — no plan is recommended for commission. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Social Security program helping pay Medicare prescription drug costs for limited income. Built for older adults choosing between Parts A, B, C, and D — especially during the seven-month Initial Enrollment window. Counselors walk through specific plans by name, compare drug costs side by side, and flag Medicare Savings Program eligibility. A neutral alternative to insurance brokers — no plan is recommended for commission. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
State Medicaid programs that help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for those with limited income. Useful for seniors 65+ enrolling for the first time, weighing Original Medicare against Advantage plans, or trying to lower drug costs. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. No cost to older adults or the people helping them.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans by your prescriptions and pharmacies. Helpful for retirees, family caregivers, and adults under 65 with disability who qualify after 24 months on SSDI. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. Many users come away with a $40–200/month reduction in Part D drug costs they didn't know they qualified for. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
Federal Health Insurance Marketplace — for those not yet 65 or covering family members. Helpful for retirees, family caregivers, and adults under 65 with disability who qualify after 24 months on SSDI. Expect a 10–25 minute conversation depending on how detailed the situation is; bring a current med list to speed things up. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Free of charge — no eligibility paperwork required to call or browse.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
CMS — federal agency that runs Medicare, Medicaid, and CHIP. Policy and updates. Useful for seniors 65+ enrolling for the first time, weighing Original Medicare against Advantage plans, or trying to lower drug costs. Most questions can be answered online or by phone; there's no eligibility screening to call. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. All services free of charge to qualifying seniors and family caregivers.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
NCOA's senior-focused Medicare planning hub with checklists and webinars. Worth a call for anyone navigating Annual Enrollment, dual eligibility with Medicaid, or appealing a coverage denial. Most questions can be answered online or by phone; there's no eligibility screening to call. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Nationwide · Online · Visit Website
State Health Insurance Assistance Program for Iowa. Free unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling. Find your local SHIP via shiphelp.org. Most relevant for low-income seniors who may qualify for Extra Help, QMB, SLMB, or QI without realizing it. Expect a 10–25 minute conversation depending on how detailed the situation is; bring a current med list to speed things up. Especially valuable for seniors getting pressure from Medicare Advantage sales calls or door-to-door enrollment pitches. Free service;...
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website
Official Iowa Medicaid program. Eligibility, applications, and benefits information. Worth a call for anyone navigating Annual Enrollment, dual eligibility with Medicaid, or appealing a coverage denial. Drop-in help is available at most local offices; bringing the Medicare card and a list of prescriptions makes the visit faster. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Free service; donations support but never gate access.
Statewide · Varies
Iowa SMP — helps seniors detect and report Medicare fraud and errors. Built for older adults choosing between Parts A, B, C, and D — especially during the seven-month Initial Enrollment window. Counselors walk through specific plans by name, compare drug costs side by side, and flag Medicare Savings Program eligibility. One of the most-used resources for older adults without family help navigating the system. Open at no cost to Iowa seniors and the families supporting them.
Statewide · Varies · Visit Website