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.

FAMILIES INVITED TO THE 21ST ANNUAL KIDS EXPO

Kids Expo – Dubuque County, a premier family fun and resource fair, will take place on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Grand River Center in Dubuque. Admission to the event and activities are FREE, thanks to the generosity of local sponsors.

Families will visit over 40 booths to learn more about resources in the community and pick up information and giveaways. Exhibitors will include arts, sports, recreational groups, educational services, health care services, social service groups, family-friendly businesses, and many more. Toys for Tots has donated a toy for each child who attends (while supplies last), make sure to visit the Dubuque County Early Childhood booth to grab one!

Quality fun for families is a highlight of Kids Expo – Dubuque County. Throughout the day, the event will feature crafts, games, and stage entertainment. Activities will include balloon artists, face painters, musical performances, dance demonstrations, and make-and-takes. A map of the exhibitors will be available at the door.

Kids Expo – Dubuque County will offer health services for children, including pediatric immunizations, flu shots, oral health screenings, lead testing, vision checks, wellness checks, car seat checks and developmental screenings. Immunizations require an advance appointment through the Visiting Nurse Association at (563) 556-6200. WIC support will be available, and the Hawk-i Coordinator will be on-site to assist with Medicaid applications.

Each family will also take home a free, newly released Family Resource Guide, which is a comprehensive reference book with additional services and activities available for children/youth in the tri-state area. This guide is a sought-after resource, and it can be used as a valuable reference tool as families grow.

Kids Expo – Dubuque County brings in over 1,500 adults and children. This year’s event is made possible through the continued work of a local planning team, who are committed to helping facilitate healthy and successful children in our community. It is also supported solely through contributions from area sponsors.

Thanks to Theisen’s Home Farm Auto for being our Presenting Sponsor!

For more information, go to the “Kids Expo 2026” page on Facebook, call Child Care Resource & Referral at (563) 557-1628 or email ta**********@********ce.org.