SHIP/SMP
The State Health Insurance and Assistance Program (SHIP) is administered by the Area Agency on Aging and the Alabama Department of Senior Services. SHIP counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not attempt to sell you insurance. All counseling records are personal and confidential.
SHIP Counselors provide free, in-depth, unbiased, one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. SHIPs assist people in obtaining coverage through options such as Original Medicare (Parts A & B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), and Medicare Supplement (Medigap). SHIPs also assist beneficiaries with limited income to apply for programs, such as Medicaid, Medicare Savings Program and Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy, which help pay for or reduce healthcare costs.
The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is always October 15 – December 7 each year. In general, you can join or change drug plans once a year during this time.
For additional information call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or contact the SHIP in your area by calling 1-800-838-5845.
The Senior Medicare Patrol program (SMP) work simultaneously with SHIP. Senior Medicare Patrols (SMPs) empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. Report any suspected fraud or abuse to your local Area Agency on Aging by calling 1-800-838-5845 or 256-389-0538.
We are excited to roll out three new SMP Medicare Fraud Prevention Week animation videos which target beneficiaries, families/caregivers, and health care providers.
Medicare Fraud Prevention Week Videos
Senior Medicare Patrol: 3 Tips to Help Prevent Medicare Fraud for Beneficiaries
Department Contacts:
Amanda Elledge - SHIP Specialist
256-389-0538
aelledge@nacolg.org