STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)

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The purpose of the SHIP Grants Program is to strengthen the capability of States to support a community-based, grassroots network of local SHIP offices that provide personalized counseling, education, and outreach to assist Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare questions. Grant funds are to be used to support locally accessible counseling services to individual beneficiaries in coordination with CMS and community partners. Services provided by SHIPs are intended for Medicare beneficiaries who prefer or need information, counseling, and enrollment assistance beyond what beneficiaries are able to receive on their own through the other CMS information channels, including 1-800-MEDICARE and www.medicare.gov. Grant funds from CMS will enhance States’ efforts to support a network of local partners, programs, staff, and volunteers that will provide accurate and objective information to help beneficiaries understand and utilize their Medicare benefits, including Medicare preventive benefits. In 2009, SHIPs will support CMS efforts to increase awareness of quality of care and cost information and encourage beneficiaries to use information tools such as www.medicare.gov to help make informed health care decisions.

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