Staying Fit
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Let’s face it: Medicare decisions can be complicated.
If you miss key deadlines or make mistakes, you could end up with gaps in coverage, lifetime penalties or extra expenses. If you need help enrolling in Medicare or making decisions about your coverage, there are several national and state resources that can provide assistance.
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State Health Insurance Assistance Programs
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIP, are available in every state and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
About 12,500 SHIP counselors provide free one-on-one advice, seminars and outreach programs. SHIP counselors are available in person or online to answer questions about initial Medicare enrollment or to help review your options when choosing a Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plan during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.
States use different names for these programs, such as the Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) in California and Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) in Florida. To find a SHIP in your area, visit SHIPhelp.org or call 877-839-2675.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Working under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) runs the Medicare program. Visit medicare.gov for information about how Medicare works, what it covers, when to enroll, how to get started with Medicare, and how to buy private insurance policies that can fill in coverage gaps.
Its Medicare Plan Finder is a great way to learn about Part D, Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans available in your area. It also helps you compare costs for your medications and health care needs.
More on Medicare
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I Turn 65 Soon. When Should I Sign Up for Medicare?
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