Direct patients to Medicare resources during open enrollment to help serve as a support. By discussing coverage, cost and convenience, the goal is to help consumers making informed decisions regarding their health care options.
 
A State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is an insurance counseling service that is provided free of charge by the Administration on Community Living in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as well as state aging agencies to help assist Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
 
SHIPs answer questions each year during open enrollment about a number of things including:
  • Original Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage
  • Medicare Part D
  • Long-term care financing options
  • Other prescription coverage
  • Low-income assistance
To locate your local SHIP, visit https://www.shiptacenter.org/.
 
For more information on SHIPs and what they can offer your patients, visit https://www.medicare.gov.