State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
The SHIP is a federally-funded grant program with the mission to empower, educate, and assist Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers through objective outreach, counseling, and training to make informed health insurance decisions that optimize access to care and benefits. SHIP is funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). To learn more about SHIP please visit the national SHIP Technical Assistance Center.
Medicare 101 Sessions:
EAAA offers Medicare 101, an introductory class of Medicare basics. This class is currently offered in-person at 4 locations: the Calais United Methodist Church in Calais, the Durgin Center in Brewer, Friends in Action in Ellsworth, and Health Access Network in Lincoln as well as via zoom for people who are unable to attend a live class. Anyone within our 4 county service area is welcome to register. While the majority of attendees are those turning 65, this class is open to anyone and provides a basic knowledge about Medicare to help you make an informed decision about your health care coverage choices. EAAA does not contract with insurance companies and therefore provides an overall education that is unbiased. Registration is required. Call EAAA for more information on dates and times of the Medicare 101 classes. Registration is required.
SHIP Appointments:
One-on-one health insurance counseling appointments can be scheduled after you have attended a Medicare 101 presentation. SHIP appointments are conducted in person, over the phone, or via zoom. These appointments will pair you with a Resource Center Specialist or a SHIP Certified Volunteer. These appointments are to review your individual situation and then empower, educate, and assist you to make informed health insurance decisions. To make a SHIP Appointment, call EAAA today.
Open Enrollment:
Medicare Open Enrollment takes place each year between October 15 and December 7. During this time period Medicare recipients are encouraged to review their Medicare Drug and/or Medicare Advantage plans. EAAA’s Medicare Open Enrollment appointments fill up quickly, call early to reserve an appointment.
Helpful Links
Social Security Administration
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Medicare Savings Program (MSP)
