Older adults can get free, personalized help reviewing their Medicare coverage during the open enrollment period, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, the Illinois Department on Aging says.
Assistance is available through the department's Senior Health Insurance Program, known as SHIP. The program offers statewide counseling through a network of 300 sites and 1,000 trained and certified counselors, according to the release. Illinois has trained 200 new SHIP counselors over the past year, and all counselors have received additional training to assist with open enrollment.
During open enrollment, people already enrolled in Medicare can review their current coverage and switch to a different plan for the following year.
"It is that time of year where people with Medicare will encounter numerous advertisements about the various Medicare Health and Drugs plans for 2027. Don't go it alone, let us put your mind at ease when you discuss your options with a certified SHIP counselor and make an educated choice," said Illinois SHIP Director Sandy Leith.
What counselors can help with
SHIP counselors can answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans such as HMOs and PPOs, Medicare Part D drug plans, Medicare Supplement policies, retiree group insurance and other health insurance. The department says all services are free, and SHIP counselors do not sell or solicit any type of insurance.
Counselors can also help soon-to-be-eligible individuals with Medicare sign-up questions.
How to get help
- Call the statewide Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Email AGING.SHIP@illinois.gov
- For general information about SHIP, visit ilaging.illinois.gov/ship.html
- Compare Medicare plan details at medicare.gov
The Illinois Department on Aging says it serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers. More information on its programs is available at ilaging.illinois.gov/programs.html or through the Senior HelpLine.
Source: the original release