Olga Will just wanted to help people.

For her, helping people understand the ever-expanding list of Medicare qualifications and bills for Mercy Hospital — as she has for the past 16 years — is her reward.

“Mercy started a program to help people who had trouble understanding their bills,” said Will, 78. “They felt I could help people.”

Supported by the state’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program, the eight-counselor Mercy program helps mostly elderly patients sort through the 10 insurance plans offered by the state. Program volunteers such as Will also help patients determine how to carry plans over from their jobs when they retire.

Last year, Will began counseling patients on how to choose from among the 41 prescription drug plans offered in Iowa.

“That’s what’s kept us really busy,” she said. “Luckily, we got some new training last summer.”

Will said she likes the challenge of helping patients sort through the plan, which the retired bookkeeper does six to eight hours a week at Mercy Hospital and the Iowa City Senior Center.

“A lot of people are happy when they leave,” she said. “I have a small family, so I have a lot of time. As long as I think I’m still helping people, I don’t mind doing it.”

— Rob Daniel

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