The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is Michigan’s free, unbiased resource to help you navigate Medicare. This program is for Medicare beneficiaries and their families when they need help understanding Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment or coverage of medical bills for Medicare supplemental and long term care insurance, SHIP counselors will provide information about benefits and help people solve problems with health benefit programs and related insurance products.
SHIP Counselors are concerned individuals who receive special training in health insurance counseling issues. They are specially trained in Medicare and Medicaid law and regulations, and relate insurance products. They are not connected with any insurance company, nor are they licensed to sell insurance. Their purpose is to serve you in an objective and confidential manner. They will also advocate on your behalf when problems arise.
SHIP Counselors can help you understand doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices (MSN). Help with medicare insurance enrollment, claims and appeals, and review Medicare supplemental insurance needs, comparisons of policies and assistance in getting claims honored and/or refunds. Also help with enrollment in Medicaid, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and additional low-income Medicare Beneficiary (ALMB) programs and Assistance with appeals and post-enrollment problems.
Call for Assistance: 1-800-803-7174
Michigan’s SHIP doesn’t sell Medicare plans–they just help you understand them. For additional information on the MI Options program and Long-Term Services and Supports visit www.michigan.gov/MDHHSMIOptions.
How much does SHIP cost?
There is no cost to you. SHIP counselors give their time and expertise free of charge. The Federal Health Care Financing Administration, which administers the Medicare program, has provided funding to train and support SHIP Counselors.
To schedule an appointment with a local SHIP Counselor or for more information call Lisa Wheeler at (517) 437-2422 or (800) 479-3348 or email lwheeler@hillsdaleseniors.org.
