WHERE CAN I GET HELP?

Understanding your choices and what you must do is complicated and very important. Be assertive about seeking out the help you need. Help is available in the form of:

• Written Information
• Personal Assistance or Counseling
• Educational Events

Three major sources of unbiased assistance:

1) Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“Medicare” or “CMS”);
2) your local area agency, department or office on aging; and
3) your local office of the State’s Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (“SHIP”).

Representatives of the various plans in your area will likely offer help also, but be aware that they may want you to enroll in the plan they represent instead of the plan that is best for you.

Written Information
“Medicare & You 2008" handbook: If you are Medicare-eligible, you will receive this by mail. Be sure to read it. It will contain a list of the plans available in your area and a lot of other valuable information.

Publications section of Medicare website: Go to www.medicare.gov, click on the publications section, put the phrase “Prescription Drug” in the “Search by keyword” box, and then click the “Go” button. You will get a list of all the relevant Medicare publications.

Mailings, advertisements, booklets, etc. from individual plans: You will likely receive a lot of written information from the plans offered in your area. These materials may provide useful information, but again, keep in mind that they are designed also to persuade you to enroll in their plan.

Counseling or Personal Assistance
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“Medicare” or “CMS”): You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help. Have ready when you call your Medicare card and a list of the drugs you take and the pharmacies you use.

State Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (“SHIP”): The Maryland Department of Aging’s SHIP program can provide expert assistance to Medicare participants, including those under 65. The SHIP program provides trained staff and volunteer counselors in all 24 Maryland counties. Counselors provide in-person and telephone assistance about many health insurance issues, including Medicare Part D. SHIP counseling services are confidential, free of charge, and generally available Monday through Friday during normal business hours. Contact your local SHIP offices below.

For information on other insurance issues addressed by SHIP, go to: http://www.mdoa.state.md.us/senior.html#SeniorHealth.

Educational Events
Contact your local area agency, department or office on aging to find out about Medicare Part D educational events in your area. For the telephone number of your local aging agency, go to: http://www.mdoa.state.md.us/.

Contact a local SHIP Office: