St. Anthony Regional Hospital has announced expanded assistance for current Iowa Medicare beneficiaries with the addition of a new Seniors Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) counselor. Ralph von Qualen of Carroll has completed an extensive training program to help patients navigate the State of Iowa Insurance Division’s SHIIP program. He will help with finding answers to questions about where to find Medicare prescription drug plans, if mammograms or other regular exams are covered by Medicare Part B, if there is help for expensive medications, what a Medicare Advantage plan is and much more. von Qualen will be taking appointments for counseling services and to provide materials for those with questions or who are interested in learning more. Appointments can be made by calling 794-5801. von Qualen and his wife, Sharon, and their family moved to Carroll in 1994. He is the owner of ACTS, Inc. and conducts research on soybean diseases for seed companies, universities and consultants. During tax season, he assists Feldman and Company with tax filings.
