Three Reasons Medicare Beneficiaries Should Consider the State Health Insurance Program

Healthcare and insurance are important for the continued well-being of all Arizonans and comparing plans each year can reduce the chances of paying out of pocket for medical costs! Navigating the plethora of information and options to choose the right plan can be tricky.

To improve the process, DES partners statewide with Area Agencies on Aging to provide free Medicare counseling through the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to older Arizonans, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers.

Here are three reasons Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers should consider speaking to a professional counselor, like those from SHIP:

1. Feel educated and empowered about your health insurance.
   Speak to a professional knowledgeable in Medicare plans to feel confident you are making the right decision. This is especially valuable during enrollment periods when beneficiaries should enroll or compare their current Medicare Advantage Plan so they know their preferred prescriptions and providers are covered.
2. Prevent high healthcare costs.
   Too often beneficiaries pay more than they should for their preferred prescriptions and providers. In fact, a recent Medicare study suggested that 7 in 10 Medicare beneficiaries didn’t compare plans, and therefore may have paid out of pocket. Because Medicare plans change each year, the plan someone has currently may not be the best plan for the following year.
3. It’s free!
   A SHIP counselor educates and assists Medicare-eligible individuals over the phone or in person at no cost. They won’t ask people to sign up for plans and aren’t affiliated with the insurance industry.

An abundance of resources can be found on the State Health Insurance Program webpage including Medicare and You (The Official Government Medicare handbook) and Medicare Advantage Plans general information.

From July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024, the SHIP program helped 22,420 individuals compare and optimize access to health care and benefits so out-of-pocket costs could be avoided.

Volunteer Opportunity!

Are you someone who enjoys helping others?

The SHIP program is looking for volunteers who are patient, enjoy engaging with people, are skilled problem-solvers and can use a computer efficiently. Volunteer training will be provided.

Eligible volunteers cannot be affiliated with any insurance companies.

Potential volunteers can call 1 (800) 432-4040.