Navigating the world of health insurance and long-term care can feel like trying to find your way through a never-ending corn maze without a map. Fortunately, there's a helpful guide available to many people: the State Health Insurance Program, commonly known as SHIP. SHIP is a free counseling service that provides personalized assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
SHIP is available to anyone with Medicare. This includes people who are:
SHIP offers a variety of services to help people understand their Medicare benefits, options, and how to access the care they need. Here are some key ways SHIP can assist:
Think of SHIP counselors as expert guides who can sit down with you and explain your health insurance options in simple terms. They provide one-on-one counseling, which can be incredibly helpful if you're feeling overwhelmed.
Navigating long-term care options can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack. SHIP counselors can guide you through the process of finding and funding long-term care, including nursing homes, assisted living, and in-home care.