UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital SHIIP Accepting Appointments for Medicare Open Enrollment
As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, UnityPoint Health – Finley Hospital’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is helping Dubuque-area residents make informed decisions about their health coverage.
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, 2026. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries can review their current coverage and make changes for 2027.
Because Medicare plans often change premiums, prescription drug coverage, out-of-pocket costs and provider networks from year to year, SHIIP counselors encourage beneficiaries to review their plans annually. Even small changes can affect access to physicians, specialists, hospitals and medications in your area.
SHIIP counselors provide free, unbiased assistance to help individuals:
• Compare Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options.
• Review prescription drug coverage and costs.
• Understand annual changes to Medicare plans.
• Explore programs that may help lower health care and prescription expenses.
In 2025, Finley Hospital’s SHIIP program assisted 2,137 community members during Medicare Open Enrollment, helping them save more than $1.5 million in health care and prescription drug costs.
SHIIP is a free, confidential service of the Iowa Insurance Division. While SHIIP counselors cannot recommend a specific plan, they can help individuals understand their choices and connect them with trusted resources.
The Finley Hospital SHIIP office is located at 1665 Embassy West Drive in Dubuque. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 563-585-2560.
Community members can compare plans through Medicare.gov, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or work with other available Medicare resources
UnityPoint Health accepts Original Medicare and several Medicare Advantage plans. View the current list of Medicare plans accepted by UnityPoint Health on
our Health Insurance and Medicare webpage: uph.link/in-network-plans. Because network participation varies by health plan and location, beneficiaries should confirm that their preferred physicians, providers and services are covered before making enrollment decisions.
