SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)

 
Perhaps no issue is more important to older persons than their health and how they provide for their health care. In today’s world, health insurance is often complex and baffling. Even the best minds are challenged when trying to figure out who has been paid, how much they were paid, and what, if anything, the person who received services must pay. Because many older adults have one or more private insurance programs, as well as Medicare, Medigap policies, Social Security, Medicare Advantage plans, and prescription drug coverage, it is even more difficult to figure out what is going on. The department offers an ongoing health insurance counseling program through its Senior Information & Assistance specialists that is one of its most widely used services. Many of the county’s seniors receive help and assistance in dealing with their health insurance providers and in resolving disputes with health service practitioners in person, by phone, or through community outreach.

Medicare beneficiaries who meet income and asset guidelines may receive assistance with the payment of their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and co-insurance under the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program. Individuals with slightly higher incomes may be eligible to have their Medicare Part B premiums paid under the Specified Low Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) program. Applications are available at all senior centers.