Indiana Senior Health Insurance Information Program

The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), or the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), assists and counsels Medicare beneficiaries, their families and care givers on the specifics of their health care coverage. As eligibility for benefits increases the need for unbiased information grows. The goal of SHIP is to empower recipients to make informed decisions regarding their health coverage. Available in Indiana and all other states, SHIP is a nonprofit organization staffed with trained volunteers. All services are free.

Background

• According to the National Health Policy Forum, SHIP was created by section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1990, and grants are administered by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Through community-based programs, personalized help is provided to answer questions about supplemental health coverage plans that include Medigap, Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), Medicaid issues, long-term care coverage and other health insurance plan issues.

Indiana SHIP

• Misinterpretations are common regarding the extent of coverage for seniors. Many individuals seem to believe Medicare benefits will cover extended care stays in nursing facilities and beneficiaries never return home. Indiana SHIP counselors acknowledge concerns with clarity to these and other common misinterpretations. Volunteers assist at local sites in most Indiana counties and through an 800 help line. In addition to community presentations, counselors are available for one-on-one health insurance counseling.

Additional Benefits

• Access to medication through the Medicare prescription drug low-income subsidy (LIS) is a primary focus of SHIP. As an Indiana Medicare recipient, you can receive assistance through HoosierRx, Indiana’s State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program. The program can help pay the monthly part D premium if you are an Indiana resident, age 65 and older. MSP is available to help pay your Medicare costs. You can also learn about your rights as a Medicare beneficiary.

Funding

• SHIP funds are allocated under the Department of Health and Human Services. As well as monies from Medicare Trust Fund accounts, the Medicare, Medicaid and SHIP Extension Act (MMSEA) of 2007 and the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) of 2008 have authorized transfers to the SHIP program. Significant contributions have been made in view of the higher operative resources.

Outlook

• Indiana SHIP is available to help Medicare recipients to make educated decisions about their health coverage. With ongoing intense training and in-service education of volunteer counselors, you learn how to evaluate your health coverage needs. Speakers are available throughout Indiana for presentations on various health insurance issues.