THE STATE HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM: Sustaining service and support from skilled SHIP counselors who ‘continue to take the mystery out of Medicare’
By Kenya Hampton
JA Guest Writer
Maneuvering through Medicare can be challenging but you do not have to figure it out alone. The Mississippi State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free counseling service where certified counselors are available to assist and explain how Medicare works.
The SHIP program is designed to answer questions about health insurance for the elderly and offers a variety of services. Whether you need assistance with understanding the four parts of Medicare, supplemental policies, Medicaid, enrollment/application assistance, and/or other insurance coverage, counselors are available to help you understand Medicare better and make informed healthcare decisions.
The SHIP program assists individuals sixty-five and up and individuals sixty-five and under with a disability both via telephone, in-home visits, or in-person counseling at our office located in Pearl, MS. Here at Central Mississippi Planning and Development (CMPDD), SHIP counselors serve seven counties in the central MS area. These counties include Copiah, Hinds, Madison, Rankin, Simpson, Warren, and Yazoo. SHIP counselors are also available to do presentations for seniors at senior facilities, and participate in health fairs, and other community outreach agencies.
For free assistance with any Medicare issues, contact a SHIP counselor at 601-981-1516 or Toll-Free at 1-844-822-4622. We look forward to continuously providing free, confidential, counseling to beneficiaries.
