CMS has announced that it will provide funding for health insurance counseling in every state to help beneficiaries get the most from Medicare. Each state will receive a share of $30 million in grant funds so state agencies can help people with Medicare at the local level. Under the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, CMS provides funding to 54 SHIPs, including all 50 states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands.
SHIPs are part of Medicare’s outreach efforts to educate beneficiaries about health insurance coverage, including Medigap, Medicare Advantage options, Medicare prescription drug coverage, and long-term care financing. SHIP counselors will continue to provide enrollment assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and offer counseling regarding all Medicare benefits.
