The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a program that offers local one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare, and their families. Appointments may be made to visit our local office in Bisbee, or our counselor can come to a community organization.
Counselors offer information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries on a wide range of Medicare, Medicaid, and Medigap matters, including, enrollment in Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare Advantage options, long-term care insurance, claims, and billing problem resolution, information, and referral on public benefit programs for those with limited income and assets, and other health insurance benefit information. In addition, our counselor also supports efforts to inform Medicare beneficiaries about fraud and abuse.
By making an appointment with your local SHIP representative, you will be able to get answers to your personal questions and concerns regarding topics such as:
I am new to Medicare. When should I sign up for Medicare Part A or B?
Is there financial assistance to help with premiums and/or co-payments?
Can I get help paying for prescription drugs when I have no insurance?
How do I decide if I need a supplemental plan and if so, how do I chose the best one?
Can you help me compare the choices for Part D, the Prescription Drug Plan (PDP)?
What do I do when one of my medical expenses was not paid by my plan and I feel it should be covered?
For appointments or information, call:
Cochise, Graham, Greenlee, and Santa Cruz Counties: 520-432-5301, ext. 205
To reach the main Medicare site, go to: http://www.medicare.gov/
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