Medicare Help (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)
Michigan’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through a network of Area Agencies on Aging and other designated community partners across the state.
Contact a SHIP Counselor by calling (231) 733-3572
What is State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)?
The program is free, unbiased and staffed with trained volunteers to help navigate the benefit options. SHIP does not receive funding from, nor is it affiliated with, any insurance companies. SHIP is a free service which is funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services – the Administration for Community Living, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the Michigan ACLS Bureau, and the Muskegon County Senior Millage.
How We Help
The program is free, unbiased and staffed with trained volunteers to help navigate the benefit options that include:
- Medicare Part A & B
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
- Medicare supplemental insurance
- Applying for Medicaid or a Medicare Savings program
- Exploring options for long-term care
- Medicare Advantage options
- Helping to report Medicare or Medicaid fraud and abuse
- Other issues of importance to people in Medicare, their families, and caregivers
For additional benefit information, visit medicare.gov.
Free Medicare 101 Sessions
We are offering free Medicare 101 sessions. See the following document for more information.
Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud
Learn how to SMP can help recognize suspicious claims, review your Medicare statements for errors, and report potential fraud. The Senior Medicare Patrol offers free education and support to help Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers protect their healthcare coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I’m turning 65 but plan to keep working. Do I have to sign up for Medicare now?
Not necessarily. If you have “creditable” coverage through your employer (or your spouse’s employer) and the company has 20 or more employees, you may be able to delay Part B without a penalty. A State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor can help you compare your employer’s plan costs against Medicare to see which is more beneficial.
What is the new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap I’ve heard about?
Starting in 2025 and continuing through 2026, there is a $2,100 annual cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs covered under Medicare Part D. This is a major change from previous years. If you reach this limit, you will pay $0 for your covered drugs for the remainder of the year.
I’m confused between Medicare Advantage and a Medigap (Supplemental) plan. How do I choose?
This is one of our most common counseling topics.
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are “all-in-one” alternatives that often include dental and vision but require you to use a specific network of doctors.
Medigap works with Original Medicare to pay for costs Medicare doesn’t cover, allowing you to see any doctor in the U.S. who accepts Medicare.
A counselor can run a personalized comparison based on your specific doctors and medications.
Can I change my Medicare plan at any time during the year?
Generally, you can only make changes during specific windows, such as the Annual Open Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). However, you may qualify for a “Special Enrollment Period” if you move, lose other coverage, or qualify for extra financial help.
Does Medicare cover dental, vision, or long-term nursing home care?
Original Medicare (Parts A & B) generally does not cover routine dental, vision, or long-term “custodial” care (help with daily living). Some Medicare Advantage plans offer dental/vision perks, and State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors can help you explore Medicaid or other long-term care programs if you need extended support.
For Medicaid and long-term care programs, please contact our Options team at (231) 733-3585.
I received a call asking for my Medicare number to send me a "new" card. Is this legitimate?
No. Medicare will never call you uninvited to ask for your number or financial information. This is a common scam. If you receive such a call, hang up and report these incidences to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program office at (231) 733-3572 or 1 (800) 803-7174, or the Office of Inspector General Fraud Hotline at 1 (800) 447-8477.
Still have questions?
Be Aware of Scams
There are a variety of scam telephone calls directed at older adults that impersonate Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security and benefit programs. DO NOT give personal information to these callers. Please report these incidences to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program office at (231) 733-3572, or the Office of Inspector General Fraud Hotline at 1 (800) 447-8477.
Want to Volunteer?
State Health Insurance Assistance Program is staffed by highly trained volunteers. We have a variety of opportunities that require additional volunteers.
To learn more about becoming a State Health Insurance Assistance Program volunteer visit www.shiphelp.org or contact a SHIP Counselor by calling (231) 733-3572.