Free, unbiased counselling
SHIP counsellors are trained volunteers and staff who do not earn commission. They can compare your current plan against alternatives, check your drug list, and explain a denial letter.
1-800-MEDICARE is open 24 hours and can confirm what is on your record, which is the fastest way to check whether a call you received was genuine.
Programmes that lower what you pay
Two federal programmes are widely under-claimed because people assume they will not qualify.
- Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) reduces Part D premiums, deductibles and copays
- Medicare Savings Programs can pay Part B premiums and some cost sharing
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs exist in some states for additional drug help
- Your Area Agency on Aging can screen you for all of them in one conversation
The scams that target older adults
Fraud against seniors usually opens with urgency and a request for a number. Genuine Medicare contact arrives by post, and Medicare will not threaten to cancel your coverage over the phone.
- Calls offering a 'new' Medicare card in exchange for your number
- Free braces, test kits or genetic screening delivered unrequested
- Callers claiming your coverage will be cancelled today unless you confirm details
- Door-to-door agents pressing you to switch plans on the spot