State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:

• People who are 65 or older;
• Certain younger people with disabilities;
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

Counselors can:

• Identify resources for prescription drug assistance
• Explain Medicare health plan options
• Understand doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices
• Understand Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims and appeals
• Enroll in Medicare Savings Programs
• Review your Medicare supplemental (“Medigap”) insurance needs, compare policies and pursue claims and refunds
• Explore long term care financing options, including long term care insurance

Counselors can also connect you with programs that can help you save on Medicare costs:

• Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy which helps pay for the Part D premium and reduces the cost of prescriptions at the pharmacy.
• Medicare Savings Programs which help pay for Medicare Part B.
• Medicare Preventive Services which cover many preventive health services such as yearly wellness visits, vaccinations, screenings and more. These services are available to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of income and assets. 

You can enroll as early as three months before your 65th birthday. The Initial Enrollment Period for Medicare is a 7-month period, beginning three months before your 65th birthday and ends three months after your 65th birthday. It is important to apply for Medicare during this period to avoid a lapse in coverage and late enrollment penalties.

If you are currently working and covered under health insurance, you may delay enrolling in Medicare without penalty in most cases. It is best to contact your employer’s benefits administrator or human resource department to discuss coverage and coordination options.

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, enrollment into Medicare is typically automatic. Three months before your Medicare eligibility date, you will receive a Medicare card and Welcome packet.

All others must apply through the Social Security Administration (or Railroad Retirement Board). You can apply online at socialsecurity.gov, by phone at (800) 772-1213, or in person at your area Social Security Administration office.

For more information on Medicare and Medicare plans, please visit www.medicare.gov.

Contact a local SHIP Counselor in your area today! Call 1-800-803-7174 for more information and to connect with a counselor today!