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
SHIP/SMP Frequently Asked Questions
What is SHIP?
SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It provides free, unbiased and confidential Medicare counseling to beneficiaries, family members and caregivers.
Who can receive help from SHIP?
SHIP counselors assist:
Current Medicare beneficiaries
People preparing to enroll in Medicare
Family members
Caregivers
Individuals with limited incomes who may qualify for additional assistance
Is SHIP affiliated with an insurance company?
No. SHIP counselors are not affiliated with insurance companies and do not sell insurance. Their role is to provide impartial information and help people understand their Medicare options.
Is there a fee for SHIP counseling?
No. SHIP provides free Medicare counseling and assistance.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. SHIP counseling records are personal and confidential.
What Medicare topics can a SHIP counselor explain?
SHIP counselors can provide information about:
Original Medicare Part A and Part B
Medicare Advantage plans, or Part C
Medicare prescription drug plans, or Part D
Medicare Supplement insurance, or Medigap
Medicare enrollment periods
Medicare costs and coverage
Programs that may help reduce healthcare expenses
Can SHIP help me compare Medicare plans?
Yes. A SHIP counselor can help you understand and compare available Medicare coverage options based on your medications, healthcare needs and preferences. Counselors provide unbiased information and do not receive commissions for recommending insurance plans.
Can SHIP help me enroll in Medicare?
SHIP can explain Medicare enrollment requirements, deadlines and coverage options. A counselor can also help you understand the steps required to enroll or change coverage.
When is the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period?
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. During this period, eligible individuals can review and make certain changes to their Medicare Advantage and prescription drug coverage.
Should I review my Medicare coverage every year?
Yes. Medicare plan premiums, provider networks, pharmacy networks, medication coverage and other benefits can change. An annual review can help determine whether your existing coverage still meets your needs.
Can SHIP help if I have a limited income?
Yes. SHIP counselors can help eligible beneficiaries apply for programs that may reduce healthcare and prescription costs, including:
Medicaid
Medicare Savings Programs
Extra Help, also known as the Low-Income Subsidy
Eligibility is determined by the agency responsible for each program.
What is SMP?
SMP stands for Senior Medicare Patrol. The program helps Medicare beneficiaries, families and caregivers prevent, detect and report suspected Medicare fraud, errors and abuse.
What is the difference between SHIP and SMP?
SHIP focuses on Medicare counseling, coverage options, enrollment and cost-saving programs. SMP focuses on protecting beneficiaries and the Medicare program from fraud, billing errors and abuse.
The two programs work together to educate and assist Medicare beneficiaries.
What are possible signs of Medicare fraud or billing errors?
Possible warning signs include:
Charges for services or equipment you did not receive
Duplicate charges for the same service
Incorrect dates or descriptions on a Medicare statement
Unsolicited requests for your Medicare number
Someone offering gifts or money in exchange for Medicare information
A provider billing Medicare for unnecessary services
Not every mistake is fraud, but questionable charges should be reviewed and reported.
What should I do if I suspect Medicare fraud?
Keep any relevant statements, bills, notes or correspondence and contact the local Senior Medicare Patrol. An SMP representative can help you review the concern and determine the appropriate next steps.
Can a caregiver report suspected Medicare fraud?
Yes. Family members and caregivers may contact SMP for help reviewing and reporting suspected Medicare fraud, errors or abuse involving someone they assist.
What should I bring to a SHIP counseling appointment?
Helpful information may include:
Your Medicare card
A list of current prescriptions
Information about your doctors and preferred pharmacies
Current insurance-plan documents
Medicare notices, bills or coverage letters
Recent Medicare Summary Notices
Call before your appointment to confirm which documents are needed.
What areas does NACOLG SHIP/SMP serve?
NACOLG provides Medicare counseling and fraud-prevention assistance throughout Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Marion and Winston counties.
This includes people looking for free Medicare help near Florence, Muscle Shoals, Sheffield, Tuscumbia, Russellville, Hamilton, Haleyville and other Northwest Alabama communities.
Who should I call with general Medicare questions?
For assistance from NACOLG SHIP/SMP, call 1-800-838-5845 or 256-389-0538.
You may also contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).