State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide counselors that can answer your questions and help you understand your health care choices, choose a Medicare plan and/or additional health insurance, and help you understand your rights and protections. These programs offer free one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.

Through federal grants directed to states, SHIPs provide free counseling and assistance in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. Trained SHIP counselors offer information, counseling and assistance to people with Medicare on a wide range of Medicare and Medicaid, and Medigap matters, including Medicare Advantage (formerly Medicare+Choice) health plan 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, SHIPs also support efforts to inform Medicare beneficiaries about fraud and abuse. This support is provided many different ways through the SHIPs, including telephone and face-to-face interactive sessions, public education presentations and programs, and media activities.

SHIPs are principally made up of a network of volunteers supported by local sponsoring organizations. Paid staff members manage these local programs and also serve as SHIP counselors. Under the direction and support of state program directors and trainers, SHIP counselors receive extensive training and continuous ongoing information updates about Medicare and other health insurance topics.

Alabama
Alabama Department of Senior Services
770 Washington Ave - Suite 470
montgomery, AL 36104
1-877-425-2243
http://www.ageline.net