 With over 300 SHIP offices across Illinois, the
agency stands ready to refer clients to their closest site, which
can schedule an appointment to assist them with open enrollment.
Take advantage of the caring, expert counselors ready to help you
make sense of the complicated Medicare system to make the best
choices for your healthcare. “We’d urge seniors to make an
appointment at their earliest convenience, because as during every
open enrollment season, we anticipate it’ll be very busy with people
seeking help,” said Sandy Leith, the SHIP program’s director.
During open enrollment, eligible adults can adjust Medicare
Advantage or Medicare prescription drug coverage, move from original
Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan - or vice versa - switch
between Medicare Advantage plans, join a Medicare Prescription Drug
Plan, or switch or drop existing drug plans; all of it can be
overwhelming and confusing.
SHIP counselors work through the Medicare.gov system to help seniors
and people with disabilities make the best choices for their
individual situation. Contact SHIP, by calling 1-800-252-8966,
weekdays 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information about SHIP,
including a list of SHIP locations, visit the website, at:
http://www.illinois.gov/aging/ship/ Pages/default.aspx.
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 To compare 2018 drug and
health plans on your own and to find out more about Medicare
options, including preventive services now covered, visit the
federal website, at: www.medicare.gov. or call Medicare, at:
1-800-633-4227. Medicare phone lines are open 24/7.
SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company, and counselors do
not sell or solicit any type of insurance. SHIP counselors in the
field ensure that seniors and people with disabilities on Medicare
understand all of the options available to them, and which choices
can save them money. Counselors educate and answer questions about
all Medicare plans and options.
[Illinois Department on Aging]
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