Information & Assistance

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Where do I begin when looking for services for myself or my elderly loved one?
    Southwest 8 Senior Services and any local Area Agencies on Aging are a good starting point for anyone looking for more information on services for themselves or their loved ones. There are many resources and organizations able to assist in meeting your needs, and Southwest 8 can help you to determine where to look first, and this website is intended to be one of those tools. You can also phone us at 712/328-2540 or 800/432-9209.

  • A senior is in need of services to remain in their home, but they cannot afford to pay for these services, are there any options?
    There are multiple options available for seniors on fixed incomes. The first step is to contact Southwest 8 and speak with our Public Information Specialist. We can instruct the senior about how to enter our network of clients. Once the physical and financial needs have been established, we can refer seniors to appropriate payment options, which include the Elderly Waiver, Senior Living Funding, and sliding scale opportunities. For more information about in-home services or to begin the process of entering our network of clients please call our Public Information Specialist at 712-328-2540 or toll free at 800-432-9209.

  • When I retire, how do I begin receiving Social Security and Medicare?
    First of all, you need to determine at what age you'd like to retire. You are eligible to begin drawing your Social Security benefits at 62 years of age. Keep in mind that if you retire before the age of 65, you will receive less money per month. To begin receiving your Social Security benefits you must phone your local Social Security office six months prior to your retirement date. They will instruct you as to what steps you must take to begin receiving monthly payments. If you retire between the ages of 62 and 65, you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65, and you will receive your card in the mail. If you delay your retirement past the age of 65, you will need to talk with your employer regarding your health care coverage to determine your optimal options. As is the case in earlier retirement planning, you will need to alert Social Security of your intentions six months prior to the date of your determined retirement. For residents of Pottawattamie, Mills, Fremont, and Harrison counties contact the Council Bluffs office at 712-328-0854. For people in Page, Montgomery, and Cass counties contact the Creston office at 641-782-2114, and for those in Shelby county contact the Carroll office at 712-792-9000.

  • The broad spectrum of Medicare choices and supplemental health insurance is confusing. Can you help?
    The State of Iowa has a Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) with trained volunteers to assist seniors with their health insurance decisions. Southwest 8 is a local sponsor this program. These volunteers do not sell, endorse or promote particular companies or agents, but they present unbiased information in order for you to make an informed decision. More information regarding the SHIIP program is available at www.state.shiip.ia.us, or to speak to a SHIIP counselor directly call 1-800-351-4664. To set up an appointment to meet with a counselor in your area, call Southwest 8 Senior Services at 712-328-2540 or 1-800-432-9209.

  • How do I get more information on a Medicare approved drug card and decide which one is best for me?
    Information to help you decide on a Medicare approved drug card is on-line at www.medicare.gov, click on the Prescription Drug Comparison Guide Tool, and walk through step by step, answering the questions and adding your prescription information, until your best discounted card is shown to you. The I & A specialist at Southwest 8 can help you with this process or you can receive help by calling Medicare at 1-800-Medicare, and also through the Senior Health Insurance Information Program at 1-800-351-4664. Once you determine which card is going to give you your best discount then you will have to fill out an application, which can be mailed to you by any of the previously mentioned organizations.