The Rowan County Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), based at Rufty-Holmes Senior Center, has just completed another busy annual enrollment period. Each year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, the local SHIIP office assists Medicare clients with reviewing or changing their prescription drug plans. This can often result in saving hundreds of dollars by switching to a more appropriate drug plan.

During the 2014 AEP, the local SHIIP office provided face-to-face Medicare counseling for 268 citizens of Rowan County, at approximately one hour per client.

SHIIP is also available all year long to answer Medicare questions. The program help those who are new to Medicare to pick a prescription drug plan. It assists clients with supplements or Medicare Advantage plans. If a person needs special financial assistance, SHIIP can direct him or her to appropriate resources at Social Security or the Department of Social Services.

SHIIP sets appointments for clients to meet with our volunteer counselors, who are trained by the NC Department of Insurance. We offer unbiased information, with no sales pressure. SHIIP’s counseling services are free, although donations are accepted to help expand programs.

The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program is a division of the NC Dept. of Insurance. To reach the Rowan County SHIIP Coordinators, call Steve Simpson at 704-216-7704, or Susan Davis at 704-216-7703. You can also contact the statewide SHIIP office at 1-855-408-1212, or www.ncshiip.com