The Area Agency on Aging administers the State Health Insurance and Assistance Program (SHIP) for West Alabama. SHIP is funded by CMS, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. The program provides free, objective and impartial advice on Medicare benefits.

Medicare is a vitally important source of health insurance for millions of Americans 65 year of age and older or on disability. The new privatized benefit options for Medicare Advantage and Part D for prescriptions have presented a great challenge for people with Medicare. Never before have they had to select from so many different plans, offering so many different options and levels of coverage. All of these choices, plus the intricate rules and regulations of all parts to Medicare is why understanding the basics about Medicare is key to making informed decisions about ones health coverage.

The State Health Insurance and Assistance Program is available in West Alabama to help Medicare beneficiaries sort through their options for FREE. SHIP can assist someone with understanding their Medicare benefit, plan comparisions, enrollment, Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB), Medigap/secondary coverage, long-term care insurance, and more.

While there is no local Medicare office, the SHIP program ensures a local resource is available for one on one counseling in exploring ones options. Volunteers are always needed with this program. If you are interested in being trained to help your peers understand their Medicare options, please contact SHIP.

Enrollment events are conducted during each Annual Election Period (AEP), which runs October 15 - December 7.

To make an appointment for AEP or to learn more about volunteer opportunities, call the Area Agency on Aging at 205-333-2990. Individuals outside Tuscaloosa County may call toll-free, 1-800-243-5463.

Related Links:

www.medicare.gov

www.ssa.gov

www.medicaid.alabama.gov

TESTIMONIALS FROM BENEFICIARIES WHO SOUGHT HELP FROM SHIP:

-"The SHIP counselor explained everything so thoroughly that I was able to easily understand the benefit and it was nice to have someone to do that with in person." Gordo

-"You helped make a very confusing analysis of different plans clear! Taking care of Dad is a huge responsibility and I'm thankful for people like you to help guide me." Vernon

-"Before I spoke with SHIP I did not know what to do, I was desperate for help. I was going in circles trying to understand Part D. My wife will be 65 this fall and we will be back for your help then." Northport