Navigate Medicare with SHIP

SHIP provides Montgomery County seniors and adults under 65 with long-term disabilities with health insurance counseling, enrollment guidance, and assistance and problem resolution for issues relating to Medicare benefits and other public and private health insurance sources. JCA holds the contract for SHIP, which operates out of its Rockville office.

SHIP provides free information, educational programs, individual counseling about:

• Medicare
• Medicare supplement plans (Medigap)
• Medicare Advantage (managed care) plans
• Prescription drug plans
• Medicare saving programs (QMB/SLMB) and Prescription Drug Assistance Programs (Extra Help/SPDAP)
• Employer health insurance plans
• Long-term care insurance.
• The SHIP program also works to curb Medicare fraud and abuse, and to resolve clients’ billing issues.

Staff and trained volunteers are available to help with understanding Medicare — Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Assistance can range from help in selecting a Prescription Drug plan to eligibility for extra help in paying for Medicare.

Volunteer with SHIP

SHIP seeks volunteers interested in helping Montgomery County seniors and individuals with disabilities (and their family members and caregivers) understand Medicare health insurance plans and learn about programs that may help them cover their medical costs. Our Outreach ambassadors help prepare for and conduct presentations, offer information at health expos, and engage with people in communities. Our Medicare Counselors receive technical training enabling them to answer questions on Medicare plans, claims and appeals, extra help programs, and plan analysis tailored to clients’ circumstances.