SHIPs Help You Navigate Medicare

Are you confused by the world of Medicare? Unsure which supplemental insurance plan to choose? There’s good news for you – each state has a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) that offers free counseling to help you understand the process of choosing a plan. You don’t have to go it alone!

What SHIPs Do For Your Medicare Experience

Your SHIP can offer you personalized, impartial, confidential counseling on:

• Any changes you want to make during the Medicare open enrollment period
• Financial assistance programs that might be available to you
• What coverage you are eligible for
• What Medicare does and doesn’t cover
• How Medicare works in conjunction with other insurance you may have
• Your rights under Medicare
• What age you can enroll in Medicare
• How to receive your benefits
• Managing denials and appeals, and
• Solving billing disputes

For example, The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) in North Carolina helped residents of that state save more than $44 million last year. SHIIP counselors can Medicare recipients determine the most affordable plan for them, and help them apply for a low-income subsidy and other Medicare cost-saving programs available in their state.

Where to Find Your Medicare SHIP

SHIPs operate in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The volunteer counselors speak with you on the phone or in person about any questions you might have about Medicare. Rules and regulations can be different in each state, which is why your state has a SHIP just for you. SHIPs are funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Counselors answer questions for millions of people age 65 and older as well as caregivers per year, and clear up common misconceptions on the Medicare system.

Find your state’s program or call 1-877-839-2675 and get assistance with any Medicare questions you may have today.