Tom Harkin Iowa's Senator

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Health Care and Insurance

General Health Resources

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

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
Phone: 301-496-1752
Website: National Institute on Aging

The National Health Information Center provides data on prescription drugs and other health matters.

The National Health Information Center
Toll-Free: 800-336-4797
Email: info AT nhic.org
Website: National Health Information Center

Health and Nutrition Resources

Diet & Nutrition

More than ever a good diet is essential to good health. You can evaluate your eating habits 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 and the Department of Elder Affairs will provide a wide range of dental services for a discount to older Iowans meeting certain income guidelines. Contact your local Agency on Aging for more information.

Exercise

Keeping active will help you feel better both physically and emotionally. Daily exercise can 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 poultry products, call the US Department of Agriculture Meat and Poultry Hotline at: 800-535-4555.

Hill Burton Hospital Law

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

Iowa Department of Elder Affairs

This agency coordinates several programs through the Area Agencies including the Care Review 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 10th St. 3rd Floor
Des Moines, IA 50309-3609
515-242-3333
Long term care complaint hotline: 800-532-3213
TTY: 515-242-3302
Website: www.state.ia.us/elderaffairs

Insurance Resources

Iowa Insurance Division

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

Iowa Insurance Division
330 Maple Street
Des Moines, IA 50319-0065
General inquiries: 515-281-5705 or 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
Website: www.iid.state.ia.us

Healthy and Well Kids in Iowa (HAWK-I)

The HAWK-I program provides health care coverage for Iowa children in families with limited 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:
Toll-Free: 800-257-8563
TDD: 888-422-2319
Website: www.hawk-i.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 for persons who, because of their physical or mental limitations, require 24-hour care but do not require 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 zip code and then select the nursing homes you are interested in to review their scores.

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 recourse should 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 Care Review Committee members. You can locate your local Agency on Aging at the Iowa Department on Aging website.

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.

Iowa Citizen's Aide/Ombudsman Office
Toll-Free: 888-426-6283
Phone: 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 or complaint contact the Peer Review Organization at: 800-752-7014 or 515-223-2900.

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 meeting nursing 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
Toll-Free: 800-972-2017
Phone: 515-281-8621

Medicaid

Medicaid is a state program providing health care coverage to low-income people. This program is also referred to as Title XIX (19). Medicaid involves several different programs and covers more medical services than Medicare or any insurance program. To learn about and apply for these programs contact either your county Department of Human Services (DHS) or the Iowa DHS at: 800-972-2017

Health Insurance for Children
Phone: 515-281-8621
Website: www.dhs.state.ia.us

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, and abuse of Medicare and Medicaid.

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

To report food borne illness contact the Center for Disease Control.

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 Partnership for Prescription Assistance to inquire if you are eligible for patient assistance offered by individual pharmaceutical companies.

Respite Services

Respite Services provide supervised temporary care for frail older adults in a facility or in the home to provide relief for the primary care giver. Some nursing home facilities may offer this service when space is available.

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

Easter Seal Society of Iowa, Inc.

Easter Seal Society of Iowa offers Camp Sunnyside, a weekend respite care for persons with disabilities, and also a five-day session. Summer camp session for those able to cooperate and communicate.

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

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Formerly known as Food Stamps)

For questions about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, please visit with 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
Toll-Free: 800-972-2017
Phone: 515-281-3163
Fax: 515-281-7791
Website: www.dhs.state.ia.us

Additional Medical Resources

Additional State Programs

The State of Iowa offers a variety of programs to help low income residents with healthcare. For more information see the Financial Resources section of the UIHC.

Senator Harkin's Office Locations

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