The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides information regarding prescription coverage and health benefits related to Medicare and benefit programs. Trained counselors provide individual healthcare insurance counseling and enrollment assistance for adult Medicare beneficiaries of all ages.  Topics include general information about Medicare, Supplemental insurance (Medigap Plans), and Medicare Health Plans (Prescription Drug Plans and HMOs).  Additionally, beneficiaries are screened for benefit programs that help with Medicare costs and provided with application assistance. Activities include community outreach and education on Medicare-related topics. Volunteer counselors are needed to support the activities of this program.  Training is provided.  Call 410-396-2273 for more information

External Resources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid manages the Medicare program and provides information about Medicare eligibility, benefits and costs.  Call  1-800-633-4227 or visit http://www.medicare.gov/

Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS) is a program that reduces prescription drug plan premiums and prescription costs for low income Medicare beneficiaries.  Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/prescriptionhelp/

Maryland Senior Prescription Assistance Program (SPDAP)  is a subsidy program that provides financial assistance to moderate-income Maryland residents who are eligible for Medicare and are enrolled in a prescription drug plan.  For more information visit http://marylandspdap.com/

MyMedicare.gov provides personalized information such as Medicare services and benefits, including Medicare Summary Notices, claims, etc. Set up individual account at https://www.mymedicare.gov/

Social Security Administration (SSA) enrolls eligible individuals in Medicare.  Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit  http://www.socialsecurity.gov/medicare/apply.html