News & Events

Connections Area Agency on Aging’s Sioux City office and Mercy Medical Center’s Older Adult Services co-host First Friday Coffee: Welcome to Medicare. This unbiased, informative seminar for new Medicare beneficiaries is held the first Friday of every month. The seminars are from 1:30 to 4:00 at Connections Area Agency on Aging, 2301 Pierce Street, Sioux City. Pre-registration is required as space is limited. There is no cost to attend.

Assisting new beneficiaries to increase their understanding of Medicare is a combined effort of SHIIP programs (Senior Health Insurance Information Program), sponsored by both Mercy Medical Center and Connections Area Agency on Aging. Discussion topics will include who is eligible for benefits and timeframes for applying, understanding Medicare’s benefits and options, supplements, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug plans and protecting their Medicare benefits. There will be ample time for questions. To pre-register, or for more information, contact Connections Area Agency on Aging at 712-279-6900 or 800-432-9209.

This 2.5 hour seminar is designed for those who will be starting Medicare, those who would like to better understand their Medicare benefits, caregivers, and professionals. Presented by trained SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) volunteers, this program will cover eligibility and enrollment, what is covered by each part of Medicare, Medicare options and how to choose supplements, drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans, and how to protect Medicare benefits from fraud and abuse. SHIIP is a statewide program offering education and one-on-one appointments. SHIIP volunteers do not sell insurance and give unbiased, confidential and free service to Medicare beneficiaries. These programs are free. Preregistration is strongly recommended. Preregister by calling Jeri Skaren 712.364.3311

Numbers show that the fastest growing segment of Iowa’s population now is those who are ages 80-90 years old. The 2010 U.S. Census found that 20 percent of Iowa’s population is currently 60 years of age or older. By 2030, 20 percent of the population in 88 of Iowa’s 99 counties will be aged 65 or older – a significant shift in state demographics. Today’s discussion hosted by Connections Area Agency on Aging staff will look at home and community based options for providing information, education, and services available to keep yourself or your loved one at home – where they want to be!

Preregister with WIT's Lifelong Learning Program 712.274.6404 or 800.4649

Come visit with Chris at our Connections booth. There will be good information and resources.

Come visit with Debbie and Chris at our Connections Booth! Great info and resources!

Come say "Hello" to Chris at this Fair - great info and resources!

Come visit with one of our Options Counselors at this exciting fair!
Iowa Dept of the Blind will have on display:
Library Services that provide large print and audio reading books by mail
Free newspaper reading services
Resources to assist with completing schoolwork
Computer screen readers, CCTV's and Text to Speech technology
Aids and devices for everyday activities - talking clocks, magnifiers and more
Tips on how to complete everyday tasks non-visually
It's free and open to the public!

Special Celebration for Iowans aged 100+ (and their families), hosted by the Governor's Office, the Iowa Department on Aging, and Iowa's Area Agencies on Aging. Reception starts at 2:00 pm with a brief program during which centenarians will receive a signed certificate from Governor Terry Branstad and have the opportunity for have their picture taken.

Registrations as centenarians can be completed through the Iowa Department on Aging's website.

Registrations for this event are due back to the Iowa Department on Aging by Oct 15th.

Come and see Andrea at the Connections Booth! She will have some great info and resources for you!

A walk-in event to look at your drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for 2016. SHIIP counselors will be available all day to do drug plan comparisons. SHIIP counselors do not sell insurance and can give unbiased, confidential and free assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. Bring your Medicare card and a list of your medications that includes drug name, dosage and monthly quantity (or your med bottles in a bag!)

These informative and important events are brought to you by the Iowa Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). Whether you have been a beneficiary for several years, or whether you are beginning to think about retiring, do not miss this comprehensive workshop. The session outlines the different types of Medicare available, the supplements, and drug coverage all of which is designed to prepare you to make the best decisions possible when you are ready to access Medicare coverage. Register byNov 12th by calling 800-432-9209.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited. Elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, no one is immune to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It occurs in every demographic, and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. Connections Area Agency on Aging staff will talk about Elder Abuse, what signs to look for and how to protect yourself or your loved ones from becoming a victim of abuse.

Preregistration recommended. Call 712.274.6404 or 800.352.4649

A walk-in event to look at your drug plan or Medicare Advantage plan for 2016. SHIIP counselors will be available all day to do drug plan comparisons. SHIIP counselors do not sell insurance and can give unbiased, confidential and free assistance for Medicare beneficiaries. Bring your Medicare card and a list of your medications that includes drug name, dosage and monthly quantity (or your med bottles in a bag!)