Nevada Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Medicare enrollment

The Nevada State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), a federally funded statewide network of volunteers offering information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in Nevada at no charge, will be available this fall to assist Medicare recipients in evaluating their current Part D prescription drug plans and adjusting these plans as necessary.

Once a year, from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, Medicare beneficiaries can change their prescription drug plans, and SHIP volunteers are available for one-on-one assistance and counseling to advise seniors regarding their care options.

"Many seniors have tight, fixed-income budgets and making the right decisions when it comes to their Medicare programs can make or break their finances for the entire year," said Christine Caufield, SHIP program coordinator. "There could potentially be some serious ramifications if Medicare recipients do not review their current drug plan and ensure they are using the correct option for their budget."

Prescription plan prices can fluctuate yearly anywhere from $10 to $100 per month and prescription availability can also change annually. In 2010, there will be 46 Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) available to Medicare beneficiaries.

"With 84 percent of Medicare recipients having prescription drug coverage, the free consultation offered by our SHIP volunteers is applicable to the majority of northern Nevada's seniors receiving Medicare," said Caufield.

To receive a free consultation regarding Medicare, beneficiaries and advocates can contact the northern Nevada SHIP at 1-877-328-2205, or by emailing nevadashiphelp@gmail.com from now until Dec. 31. Volunteers are also available in many senior centers in northern Nevada. To locate the SHIP representative nearest you, call 1-877-328-2205. Beyond a consultation specific to a Medicare program, SHIP volunteers are also available throughout the year to assist with any Medicare questions, appeals, prescription plans and more.

The northern Nevada SHIP is administered by Access to Healthcare Network (AHN), an innovative Nevada-based nonprofit medical discount plan offering low-cost healthcare services to uninsured Nevadans. The northern Nevada SHIP is also funded by the State of Nevada Aging and Disability Services Division (ADSD) set of programs and services, which represents Nevadans 60 years and older.

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