Medicare Masterclass
Medicare Masterclass: Plain-Language Guides for Iowans
Plain-language Medicare articles, guides, and future videos for Iowans navigating Medicare and coverage decisions.
Start here
New to Medicare?
Learn the basics first
Compare your coverage paths
Review enrollment timing
Talk with Birch before deciding
Plain-language guides. Local help when you need it.
Start here
New to Medicare?
Learn the basics first
Compare your coverage paths
Review enrollment timing
Talk with Birch before deciding
Plain-language guides. Local help when you need it.
Medicare Guide Library
Browse plain-language Medicare articles by topic.
7 guides available
4-Part Series
Introduction to Medicare
Start here if you're new to Medicare or reviewing your options. These guides walk through the basics one step at a time.
Medicare Basics
What Medicare is, who qualifies, and the major decisions you'll face.
Parts of Medicare
A plain-language breakdown of Part A, B, C, D, and Medigap.
Coverage Options
The most common ways to put your Medicare coverage together.
Enrollment
When you can enroll, switch, or change coverage — and how to prepare.
More from Birch
Additional Medicare resources beyond the basics.
2026 Medicare Changes in Iowa
What Iowa beneficiaries should review for the upcoming plan year.
Avoiding Medicare Penalties
How Part A, B, and D late enrollment penalties work — and the simple steps to avoid them.
How to Apply for Medicare in Iowa
Step-by-step: when to apply, what documents to gather, and where to go in Newton, Clear Lake, and across Iowa.
Birch Video Library Coming Soon
Birch-created videos will be added here over time to explain Medicare topics in plain language.
Medicare Basics
Coming soon
Understanding Part A, B, C, and D
Coming soon
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement
Coming soon
Prescription Drug Plan Basics
Coming soon
Have Questions After Reading?
Birch can help you compare options, understand tradeoffs, and talk through what fits your situation.