PRESCRIPTION DRUG ASSISTANCE

NeedyMeds.com is a website that compiles information on prescription drug patient assistance programs.  These programs are offered by the drug manufacturers to help cover the cost of prescriptions for low-income individuals.  Drugs are listed alphabetically and are split into brand-name and generic groups.

If your drug is not covered under Iowa Priority's formulary, you may also contact the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturer's Association on their website to inquire if you are eligible for patient assistance offered by individual pharmaceutical companies. www.helpingpatients.org.

Iowa Priority is a prescription drug savings program available to all Medicare-eligible seniors and disabled Iowans.  For more information call toll free 1-866-282-5817, or visit their web site at www.iowapriority.org.

LONG TERM CARE

Nursing Homes

Nursing homes are medical facilities in which high intensity, comprehensive and planned 24-hour nursing care is provided with maximum efficiency by registered and licensed nurses. Rehabilitation is also provided as required by the individual's plan of care. These types of homes serve convalescent residents and those with long term illness and also provide services forpersons who, because of their physical or mental limitations, require 24-hour care but do notrequire the degree of care and treatment a hospital provides.

If you decide a nursing home suits your family member's needs, it is wise to visit several facilities to determine the one that best fits your situation. The administrator, the person managing day-to-day operations, will be glad to show you and your family the facility if you make an appointment.  Among the many questions you might ask at that initial meeting are:

• Is the nursing home Medicare and/or Medicaid certified?
• Are other insurance plans accepted?
• Is there a staff physician who assists in policy making and answers emergency calls?
• What facilities and staff are available for rehabilitation and physical therapy?
• How well is the home able to meet my specific needs?

These are just examples of the types of questions you might want to ask. It is important that the facility offer you services that will not needlessly restrict your normal lifestyle.

Nursing Homes Report Card

Medicare.gov has a "report card" on nursing homes in Iowa.  You can search by proximity to your city or zop code and then select the nursing homes you are interested in to review their scores. View the Nursing Home Report Card

Nursing Home Care Review

The Iowa Department of Elder Affairs Long Term Care Ombudsman Office serves as advocates for residents of Iowa nursing homes. They assist in answering questions and deal with the concerns and complaints residents often have. This should be your first recourseshould a problem arise.

Secondly, you should contact the Area Agencies on Aging. They coordinate "Care Review Committees" that also act as advocates for residents of long term care facilities. Contact your Agency on Aging or ask the nursing home for a list of CareReview Committee members.

Northland Agency on Aging
808 River Street
Decorah, IA 52101
1-800-233-4603
563-382-2941
FAX: 563-382-6248
Website:VIEW

Elderbridge Agency on Aging
22 North Georgia
Suite 216
Mason City, IA 50401
1-800-243-0678
FAX: 641-424-2927

Northwest Aging Association
2 Grand Avenue
Box 7840
Spencer, IA 51301
1-800-242-5033
712-262-1775
FAX: 712-262-7520
Website:VIEW

Siouxland Aging Services
915 Pierce Street
Sioux City, IA 51101
1-800-242-5033
712-279-6900
FAX: 712-233-3415

Hawkeye Valley Area
2101 Kimball Avenue #320
Waterloo, IA 50702
1-800-779-8707
319-272-2244
FAX: 319-272-2455
Website:VIEW

Scenic Valley Area VII
3505 Stoneman Road, Suite 4
Dubuque, IA 52001
563-588-3970
FAX: 563-588-1952

Great River Bend
P.O. Box 3788
736 Federal Street
Davenport, IA 52808-3788
1-800-892-9085
563-324-9085
FAX: 563-324-9384
Website:VIEW

Heritage Area Agency on Aging
6301 Kirkwood Boulevard, SW
P.O. Box 2068
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406
1-800-332-5934
319-398-5559
FAX: 319-398-5533
Website:VIEW

Aging Resources of Central Iowa
5835 Grand Avenue
Suite106
Des Moines, IA 50312-1439
1-800-747-5352
515-255-1310
FAX: 515-255-9442

Southwest 8 Senior Services, Inc.
3319 Nebraska Avenue
Council Bluffs, IA 51501
1-800-432-9209
712-328-2540
FAX: 712-328-6899

Area XIV Agency on Aging
210 Russell Street
Creston, IA 50801
641-782-4040
FAX: 641-782-4519

SENECA Area Agency on Aging
228 East 2^ndStreet
Ottumwa, IA 52501
1-800-642-6522
641-682-2270
FAX: 641-682-2445
Website:VIEW

Southeast Iowa Agency on Aging, Inc.
509 Jefferson Street
Burlington, IA 52601
1-800-292-1268
319-752-5433
FAX: 319-754-7030
Website:VIEW

If your complaint concerns a county care facility, and not a long-term care facility, you should contact the Iowa Citizen's Aide/Ombudsman Office at:

1-888-426-6283
515-281-3592
TTY: 515-242-5065
FAX: 515-242-6007

If your complaint involves the quality of care at a facility, aid, or filing an appeal orcomplaint contact the Peer Review Organization at:1-800-752-7014or515-223-2900.

Iowa Department of Elder Affairs

This agency coordinates several programs through the Area Agencies including the CareReview Committees for nursing homes, the Assurance Network for Easing Widowhood,telephone reassurance, Homemaker Health Aides, Eldercare and chore services.

Iowa Department of Elder Affairs
Clemens Building
200 10^thSt. 3^rdFloor
Des Moines, IA 50309-3609
515-242-3333

Long term care complaint hotline: 1-800-532-3213
TTY: 515-242-3302
Website:VIEW

Hill Burton Hospital Law

Under the Hill-Burton law, many hospitals must allow some free to reduced charges forcare to low-income persons.  For more information call 1-800-638-0742.

RESPITE SERVICES

Supervised temporary care for frail older adults in a facility or in the home to providerelief for the primary care giver.  Some nursing home facilities may offer this service when spaceis available.

Iowa Hospice Organization
100 East Grand Avenue, suite 120
Des Moines, IA 50309
515-243-1046
Fax: 515-283-9366

Easter Seal Society of Iowa, Inc.

Offers Camp Sunnyside, a weekend respite care for persons with disabilities, and also afive-day session.  Summer camp session for those able to cooperate and communicate.

Easter Seal Society of Iowa, Inc.
401 Northeast 66^thAvenue
Des Moines, IA 50313
515-289-1933
TTY: 515-289-4069

MEDICAID - MEDICARE

Medicaid

Medicaid is a state program providing health care coverage to low-income people.  Thisprogram is also referred to as Title XIX (19).  Medicaid involves several different programs andcovers more medical services than Medicare or any insurance program.  To learn about and applyfor these programs contact either your county Department of Human Services (DHS) or the IowaDHS at:

1-800-972-2017

Health Insurance for Children: 515-281-8621

Website:VIEW

Medicare

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 or older, as well as fordisabled people under 65.  It is most often associated with Social Security.  Medicare programsare separate and unrelated to those of Medicaid.  For general questions about Medicare contact the Medicare Hotline at:1-800-633-4227

Starting in 2006 Medicare will offer prescription drug coverage to help with the cost of drug bills.  Starting in fall 2005 Medicare beneficiaries can begin comparing prescription drug plans by calling 1-800-MEDICARE orwww.medicare.gov.  Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in a plan as soon as November 2005.

Website:VIEW

Medicaid for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)

This program allows Medicaid to help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, andcoinsurance for qualified individuals.  To apply or see if you are eligible for QMB, contact yourlocal DHS office. Website:VIEW

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regional Office (CMORO)

Answers questions on local seminars and health fairs on medicare health plan choices, or to report a complaint directly to CMORO at 1-816-426-2866. Website:VIEW

Fighting Fraud, Waste & Abuse in Medicare

Fraud, waste and abuse in Medicare is a serious problem affecting many older Iowans.  To combat this I organized The Medicare Senior Waste Patrol, which is a program to recruit and train retired professionals to serve as volunteer expert resources in their communities. These volunteers help fellow seniors detect and stop cases of Medicare mis-payments, fraud, waste and abuse.  The Senior Waste Patrol enlists the help of retired nurses, teachers, accountants, doctorsand others, as well as agencies that deal with Medicare billing irregularities and suspected cases of abuse. They, in turn, educate others in their communities and run a hotline for seniors to report problems and ask questions about potential cases of fraud, waste, or abuse.

Operation Restore Trust of Iowa (ORT) is a program supported by a grant that I personally helped to secure for the State of Iowa.  The main focus of ORT is to educate volunteers to assist in investigating suspected incidents of Medicare waste, fraud, and abuse. ORT utilizes individuals and agencies who deal with Medicare recipients on a daily basis.  For more information contact ORT at:1-800-423-2449.

Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) staff,Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) volunteers: 1-800-351-4664 or 515-281-6867, Health Care Providers, and numerous volunteers have combined their efforts to eliminate problems associated with waste, fraud, andabuse of Medicare and Medicaid.

If you are a retired health care professional, educator, accountant, billing clerk, or are otherwise interested in helping seniors detect and report problems with their Medicare bills,contact the Iowa Department of Elder Affairs at 1-800-532-3213 or (TTY) 515-242-3302 to learn more about volunteer opportunities with ORT.

Has Medicare incorrectly billed you for services?

Contact the STOP! Medicare Fraud line at 1-800-532-1285 or the Complaints Unit at:

Medicare Part B
Att: Complaints Unit
P.O. Box 6706
Fargo, North Dakota 58103-3309
1-800-477-8477
TTY: 1-800-377-4950

Have your rights concerning Medicare been abused?
Confused by Medicare/Health Insurance?

Contact the Medicare Rights Hotline at:1-800-433-4958

If you would like any information on senior insurance programs or just want morecoverage, need medicare supplements, managed care plans, long term plans or claim assistancecontact:

Senior Health Insurance Information Program
1-800-351-4664
515-281-6867
Website: http://www.shiip.ia.us
email:shiip@iid.state.ia.us

If you lost your Medicare card or need to replace it contact:  1-800-772-1213

INSURANCE RESOURCES

Iowa Insurance Division

The Iowa Insurance Division of the Iowa Department of Commerce oversees allinsurance business transacted in the state. Complaints regarding both health and life insurancepolicies should be referred to:

Iowa Insurance Division
330 Maple Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0065

http://www.iid.state.ia.us/

General inquiries:515-281-5705 or 1-877-955-1212

Inquiries concerning life insurance:515-281-8245

Inquiries concerning health insurance:515-281-4245

Inquiries concerning property and casualty insurance:515-281-4409

Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I)

The HAWK-I program provides health care coverage for Iowa children in families withlimited incomes.  To qualify a child must live in Iowa and:

• Be under 19 years old

• Have no other health insurance

• Be a citizen of the United States or a qualified alien

• Be in a family that meets the hawk-i income limits

• Cannot be the dependent of a State of Iowa employee

• Children who qualify for Medicaid cannot get hawk-i

For more information contact 1-800-257-8563 (TDD: 1-888-422-2319) Website:VIEW

Other State programs

The State of Iowa offers a variety of programs to help low income residents with healthcare.  For more information go to: http://www.uihealthcare.com/depts/socialservice then select financial resources

Long Term Care Insurance

As Iowa's older population increases, the interest in developing insurance plans to protect against the rising costs of long-term health care has intensified.  Nationally, more than half of all nursing home expenses are paid out-of-pocket by individuals and their families, and somewhat less than half are paid by state Medicaid programs.  Neither Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, nor the health insurance provided by your employer will pay for all long-term care expenses.  Long-term care insurance helps to ease the financial burden if you require either the services of a nursing facility or care in your own home.

Before buying insurance to supplement Medicare, ask yourself whether you need private health insurance in addition to Medicare.  Each person should carefully examine his or her needs and resources to decide whether long-term care insurance is appropriate.

If you decide long-term care insurance is for you, help is available.  The Iowa Insurance Division's Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) can help answer your long-term care insurance questions.  The Insurance Division also has available a booklet entitled 'Iowa Guide to Long Term Care Insurance'.  For more information about the SHIIP counselor nearest you or to request a copy of the free booklet, call 1-800-351-4664 or your local area agency on aging.

In addition, Medicaid can often assist those who meet federal guidelines in meetingnursing home costs.  To learn about Medicaid eligibility contact the Department of Human Services (DHS) at:

Iowa Department of Human Services
1305 East Walnut Street
Hoover State Office Building
Des Moines, IA 50319
1-800-972-2017
515-281-8621

HEALTH & NUTRITION RESOURCES

Diet & Nutrition

More than ever a good diet is essential to good health. You can evaluate your eatinghabits by writing down everything you eat for one week, then take your food diary to your doctor for help in modifying your eating habits for a happier future.  Contact your local Iowa State University Extension Service for basic nutrition information.Information on nutrition and food programs can be obtained by contacting your county health department, county extension office,state or local medical society, or a hospital outpatient clinic. The Area Agency on Aging for your region may also have information available on this topic.

Dental Assistance

A program called Iowa Dental Access implemented by the Iowa Dental Association andthe Department of Elder Affairs will provide a wide range of dental services for a discount toolder Iowans meeting certain income guidelines. Contact your local Agency on Aging for moreinformation.

Exercise

Keeping active will help you feel better both physically and emotionally.  Daily exercisecan strengthen muscles, increase your energy level, aid in weight control and help you sleep better. Consult your physician for an exercise plan to fit your needs.

Food Safety

If you have a question about the quality, labeling and safe handling of meat and poultryproducts, call the US Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at:1-800-535-4555. http://www.fsis.usda.gov/mph/

For a food related emergency, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a 24 hour emergency number at: 301-443-1240.
Website: VIEW

To report foodborne illness contact the Center for Disease Control at their Website: VIEW

Food Stamps

For questions about Food Stamps call the Iowa Department of Human Services at:

Iowa Department of Human Services
Division of Economic Assistance
1305 East Walnut Street
Hoover State Office Building
Des Moines, Iowa 50319
1-800-972-2017
515-281-3163
FAX: 515-281-7791
Website:VIEW

GENERAL HEALTH RESOURCES

The National Institutes of Health has a wide variety of health information available on their website:VIEW

The National Institute on Aging has pamphlets on health matters affecting older persons. You can obtain free copies by writing to:

National Institute on Aging
Building 31, Room 5C27
31 Center Drive MSC 2292
Bethesda, MD 20892-2292
1-301-496-1752

Website: VIEW

The National Health Information Center provides data on prescription drugs and other health matters. 1-800-336-4797   Website:VIEW
email:info@nhic.org

If you have questions regarding other medical matters the following may be helpful:

Elder Abuse

200-10th Street, 3^rdFloor

Des Moines, IA 50319

Domestic elder abuse:1-800-362-2178

Institutional elder abuse:515-242-3321

Website:VIEW

American Academy of Ophthalmology Public Service Programs

• National Eyecare Project
• Glaucoma 2001
• National Childrens Eyecare Program

1-800-222-3937

General Accounting Office (GAO) Hotline

Fraud Hotline:1-800-424-5454

Health and Human Services Hotline

1-800-368-5779

The following provide self help information as well as emotional and practical support:

Alzheimers Association
1-800-272-3900
Website:VIEW

American Cancer Society of Iowa
8364 Hickman Road
Clive, IA 50325
1-800-227-2345
515-253-0147
Website:VIEW

American Diabetes Association (Iowa Affiliate)
6200 Aurora Avenue
Urbandale, IA 50322
1-888-342-2383
515-276-2237

Website:VIEW
American Heart Association (Iowa Affiliate)
111 Ninth Street

Des Moines, IA 50314
1-800-242-8721
515-244-3278
Website:VIEW

American Lung Association of Iowa
5601 Douglas Avenue
Des Moines, IA 50310
1-800-586-4872
515-278-5864
Website:VIEW

Arthritis Foundation (Iowa Chapter)
2600 72^ndStreet, Suite D
Des Moines, IA 50322
515-278-0636
Website:VIEW

Kidney  Foundation of Iowa
701 10th Street SE
Cedar Rapids, IA 52403
1-800-369-3619
319-369-4474
Website:VIEW