State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living

through the Maryland Department of Aging

Primary Function: To provide assistance to individuals eligible for Medicare.

Number of Medicare Beneficiaries in St. Mary’s: Approximately 14,000

Number of Individuals Becoming Eligible Each Year: Approximately 900

Number of Contacts Though St. Mary’s Co. SHIP in 2014: 1,061

Typical length of appointments: 45 minutes

Trends: Individuals transitioning from Medicaid, employment, and Maryland Health Connection plans

Assistance is provided via phone, in-person, community presentations and outreach

What is Medicare? The Federal health insurance program available to individuals age 65 or to those who receive Social Security Disability after a 24 month waiting period or diagnosed with ACL or ESRD.

SHIP Can Assist With The Following:

• Explain what Medicare covers.

• Enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C, D.

• Determine eligibility of Medicaid programs to assist with Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays.

• Apply for Medicare Savings Programs.

• Review Supplemental insurance coverage options.

• Review/Enroll in Medicare Part D prescription insurance.

• Apply for federal/State programs to assist with prescription costs.

• Explain how Medicare works with retirement insurance policies, and more.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living through the

Maryland Department of Aging

What is SMP? A Federally funded program geared towards ending fraud, waste, abuse, and errors in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs.

What defines SMP Fraud?• Phone calls from individuals stating

they are from Medicare.• Receiving medical supplies beneficiary

or doctor did not request.• Providers billing for services beneficiary

did not receive.• Unsolicited visits from insurance agents

who sell Medicare products.• Providers offering “free” Medicare

services in exchange for Medicare number.

How does the Department assist?

• Meet individually with Medicare beneficiaries who have questions/ concerns regarding medical bills.

• Contact providers on behalf of beneficiary who experience billing errors.

• Reviewing beneficiaries Medicare Summary Notices to ensure accuracy.

• Assist with Medicare denial appeals.

• Report suspected cases of fraud to Medicare, Maryland Insurance Administration, and Federal Trade Commission.

• Conduct community educational outreach to inform public of common fraudulent activities.

Senior Information & Assistance (I&A)

Grant funded by the Older Americans Act and Maryland Department of Aging

What is I&A: Often times serves as the fist point of entry to Department program’s and services for older adults and their families.

Meets with individual’s/ families to determine needs and assists with accessing services.

Types of Programs/Services Available

• Energy Assistance/Weatherization• Property Tax Credits

• Maryland Homeowner’s Tax Credit• SMC Senior Tax Credit• SMC Senior Matching Credit

• Home Repair Programs• XMAS In April• Housing Authority Loans• USDA Loans• Accessible Homes for Seniors

• In-Home Care Programs• Community First Choice• DSS Respite Care• DOAHS Respite Program

• Legal• Legal Aide Bureau, Inc.• Sixty Plus Program

• Nutrition• Social Security• Transportation, and more….

Senior Rides Program

Grant Funded by the Maryland Transit Administration and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County

Service: Provides door to door transportation to St. Mary’s County residents age 60 and over.

Rider Qualifications: • Must be able to ambulate

independently or with the aide of a walker or cane.

• Meet income criteria.• Lack access to affordable

alternative transportation options.

Fees: Based on the one way mileage from rider’s pickup point to destination.

How Program Works• Volunteers drivers must pass

background, MVA and reference check .

• Volunteers utilize their personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement.

• Pre-approved riders make transportation request through the Department’s Coordinator.

• Volunteers are matched with rides that meet their availability.FY15 Stats

R/T Rides: 411# of Riders: 70# of Hours: 1,146# of Miles: 27,253