Indiana Department of Insurance SHIP Program is here to help
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free and impartial counseling program for people with Medicare. SHIP is facilitated by the Indiana Department of Insurance and Administration for Community Living. SHIP is part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs located in every state.
All of SHIP’s services are offered at no charge to consumers. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company or agency and does not sell insurance. SHIP is staffed by a crew of volunteer counselors who have completed intensive training to offer Medicare beneficiaries objective assistance in complete confidence.
The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (open enrollment) is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year. This is the one time of year when ALL people with Medicare can make changes to their Medicare Advantage (sometimes called Part C) health and Part D prescription drug plans for the next year.
During the Medicare open enrollment period, you can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage (as long as you’re enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B, and you live in the Medicare Advantage plan’s service area)
- Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare (plus a Medicare Part D plan, and possibly a Medigap/supplemental insurance plan)
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Switch from one Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to another
- Enroll in a Medicare Part D plan if you didn’t enroll when you were first eligible for Medicare. If you haven’t maintained other creditable coverage, a late-enrollment penalty may apply.
If you purchase a new Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan or switch plans during the annual enrollment period, the changes will begin Jan. 1, 2022.
With more than 100 SHIP sites throughout the state of Indiana, a SHIP counselor is never far away from those who need assistance. SHIP offers numerous events and presentations throughout the state of Indiana to assist Medicare beneficiaries. During open enrollment, some of these events include assistance using the online Planfinder Tool that allows beneficiaries to compare prescription drug plans and Medigap policies based on their specific needs. A listing of SHIP events can be found at Medicare.IN.gov.
Medicare beneficiaries with income less than $2,006 per month and limited assets might qualify for programs that help to pay for Part B monthly premiums, co-pays and deductibles. Some programs even help to pay for prescriptions. SHIP can help with these applications.
If you or someone you know needs help with their Medicare questions, call the SHIP helpline at 1-800-452-4800 or the TTY line for the hearing impaired at 1-866-846-0139. You also can find SHIP online at Medicare.IN.gov.
The search for dedicated SHIP Volunteers is ongoing. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, you can learn more and even apply at Medicare.IN.gov.
Getting bombarded with phone calls about your Medicare coverage?
This is the time of year when health insurance companies begin stuffing your mailbox – and your voicemail box – with information about their Medicare Advantage plans. (Not to mention the nonstop television advertisements!)
It’s important to keep in mind that although some of this information appears to be from Medicare (i.e. the federal government agency known as CMS, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), these solicitations either through the mail or by phone are generally from private insurance companies seeking to sign you up for their plan.
While those companies – such as Humana, WellCare, Anthem, etc. – are legitimate, the solicitations can be confusing if you’re not armed with correct information.
Medicare Advantage plans are NOT the same thing as “Original” Medicare (Part A and Part B). They are essentially private insurance plans approved by the federal government, and they often function similarly to HMOs. If you currently have Original Medicare, you cannot keep it if you choose to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa.
Medicare, supplemental insurance plans, and Medicare Advantage plans can be confusing. The plans, what’s covered, and which doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies you can use could change from year to year. That’s why it’s of utmost importance you arm yourself with accurate information.
If you do intend to change your Original Medicare coverage to a Medicare Advantage plan, or vice versa, be sure to talk to a licensed professional about your plan options beforehand. Once you commit to a new plan, you can’t change your mind and will need to wait until the next Annual Election Period (a.k.a. “open enrollment”) the following year – which can mean major health coverage and cost changes.
REMEMBER: If you receive a phone call from a person claiming to help with updating any portion of your Medicare coverage, don’t give out any personal information unless you are certain the individual on the other end of the phone is a licensed professional or they represent your current insurance company.
If you do take a phone call and you’re not sure whether the person you’re speaking with is a licensed professional, hang up. Skepticism can save you a massive, year-long headache. Ask a trusted friend or family member for help, or call the Indiana Department of Insurance’s SHIP helpline at 1-800-452-4800 or the TTY line for the hearing impaired at 1-866-846-0139.
The Medicare Annual Election Period is also prime time for scammers. Only talk to qualified professionals, such as the Indiana Department of Insurance or licensed consultants, or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or going to medicare.gov/talk-to-someone.