Medicare Open Enrollment Begins October 15
Our senior citizens have a lot to contend with, from increasing health concerns to worrying about financial needs during their retirement. When you add in navigating the maze of Medicare's various components, including the annual Open Enrollment period, Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage, it is no surprise seniors can get confused and be unsure of where to turn for help. Wheeling Township's SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) counselors are available to provide guidance and assistance for Township seniors all year long.
"The SHIP program," a free counseling service, "offers objective information on Medicare, which can be very confusing,"said Wheeling Township Supervisor Kathleen Penner. "We are proud of the work our SHIP counselors do at the Township and know how much our residents benefit from it."
SHIP counseling is provided by skilled and highly trained counselors, many of whom are volunteers. In 2019, the Township's six SHIP counselors assisted more than 675 residents with a variety of Medicare-related services, including advocacy, signing up for Medicare, and reviewing or enrolling in 2020 prescription drug plans.
SHIP is affiliated with, as well as monitored by, the Illinois Department on Aging. Goals of the program are to:
1. Educate consumers and answer questions about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance and prescription drug coverage
2. Provide assistance with issues related to Medicare, such as enrollment, filing appeals, resolving claims issues, and reporting suspected fraud
3. Provide guidance and enrollment help during the annual open enrollment period for Part C Advantage and Part D drug plans
While SHIP counselors are available throughout the year, they are busiest during Medicare's annual Open Enrollment period, which runs between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7, 2020. During this period last year, Wheeling Township counselors helped local seniors save more than $175,000 on their 2020 drug plans.
It is important to note that SHIP counselors cannot sell insurance, be affiliated with any insurance company, or hold an active insurance license. As a result, seniors receive free, impartial information so they can make the best decisions for their own personal situations.
Through its dedication to providing services to residents, whether by helping them maintain their independence, sustain their health, and to provide critical assistance during times of need, Wheeling Township continues to make a significant difference in the community's as it has since 1850.
For more information, or to make an appointment with a SHIP counselor, contact Wheeling Township at (847) 259-7730 or visit wheelingtownship.com.