SHIP

 

·       Who We Are  

o   Dedicated group of trained staff and volunteer counselors

o   Funded by the Maryland Department of Aging

o   With a grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and Montgomery County

o   In service since 1989

·       Who We Serve

o   More than 110,000 people with Medicare in Montgomery County , including

§  Those aged 65 and older

§  Those who are disabled

o   Their family members and caregivers

o   Our aging network partners

·       How We Serve

o   We provide

§  Free information, educational programs, individual assistance and counseling

§  Trained volunteers who meet on an individual basis with seniors, the disabled, their family members and caregivers on a walk-in or scheduled basis in county libraries, senior centers, senior communities, and HOC buildings

§  Topics include Medicare, supplements to Medicare (Medigap Plans), Medicare Advantage Plans (Managed Care Plans), Prescription Drug Programs, Income saving programs (QMB/SLMB), Maryland Health Insurance Plans, Federal Health Insurance Plans, Employer Health Insurance Plans, and Long Term Care Insurance

§  Advocacy on

·      Medicare Fraud and Abuse

·      Billing issues

§  Educational programs, seminars, and trainings to community groups, church groups, clubs, and neighborhood associations

§  Printed information, comparison charts and tables outlining health insurance options

§  A web site (www.medicarehelp.org) in several languages

§  A 24 hour answering machine

·       Counseling Locations and Appointments  

·       Outreach Events

·       Contact Us