State Health Insurance Assistance Program
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free and impartial counseling program for people with Medicare. SHIP is provided by the Administration for Community Living and the Indiana Department of Insurance. We are part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs located in every state.
SHIP provides free, impartial information to help consumers make decisions regarding health insurance options related to Medicare. We strive to help them be wise consumers and to get the most value for their Medicare health insurance dollars.
SHIP is staffed by a crew of volunteer counselors who have completed an intensive four-day training course and are certified by the IDOI. Regular training updates keep them current with the most recent changes in Medicare and other health care insurance options. Learn more about becoming a SHIP Volunteer. SHIP counselors are committed volunteers who offer you free and objective assistance in complete confidence.
Volunteer Needs
Our Trained SHIP volunteers:
- Assist through an 800 help line, virtually, or at local sites in most Indiana counties.
- Offer one-on-one health insurance counseling for people with Medicare.
- Present on related topics in local communities throughout the state.
Volunteer Registration
SHIP is a satisfying volunteer opportunity for hundreds of people across Indiana. SHIP provides services through many channels: seminars, local community training, one-on-one counseling, virtual counseling, public speaking, publications, videos and more. Volunteers are the key to the program’s success. SHIP volunteers are called on to assist with questions on Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicaid, employer benefit plans, managed care plans, long-term care, help pay for prescriptions and more. Counseling can include an analysis of insurance needs, side-by-side policy comparisons, help with filing claims, and appeals or filling out applications for assistance.
SHIP is driven by volunteers who are committed to helping people with Medicare determine the best healthcare choices for their individual situations and to be good consumers of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D drug coverage, long term care financing, and low income assistance programs.
To be an active SHIP volunteer you must fulfill the following criteria:
- Complete a 24-30 hour Initial Training
- Want to help people with Medicare in his/her community
- Attend regular local in-service training sessions (usually two half-day sessions per year)
- Complete at least 9 Client Contact forms per month
- NOT be affiliated with (i.e., employed by, or in a position to sell) any insurance product, agency, company or service
- Make a minimum one-year commitment
- Be willing to assure complete confidentiality to every client
- Complete required paperwork
- Enjoy meeting new people and helping others
Location and Contact
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