About Medicare & SHIP
Medicare is a Health Insurance Program for:
- People age 65 or older.
- People under age 65 with certain disabilities.
- People of all ages with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant).
Medicare is federally funded. Medicare has two parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance) Most people don't have to pay for Part A.
- Part B (Medical Insurance) Most people pay monthly for Part B.
For more information on Medicare, go to the Medicare Coverage link.
Q: What should I do if my medical equipment and supplies were ruined in the floods? A: Medicare will replace your medical equipment, such as chair lifts or diabetic test strips, in the case of a natural disaster. You will need to get a new doctor's order which should include the statement "lost due to flooding". Your supplier will replace the equipment and/or supplies, and Medicare will pay the provider its regular approved amount. If you also have Medicaid, Medicare will have to pay first. Click here for a special edition of Ask SHIP regarding the recent flooding and Medicare. State Health Insurance Assistance Program - SHIP SHIP is part of a federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs located in every state. SHIP is a non-profit organization designed to provide an unbiased place for seniors and pre-retirees to find answers to their health insurance questions. All of our services are free. In Indiana, SHIP is sponsored by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (the federal agency which administers Medicare) and the Indiana Department of Insurance. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company or agency, and does not sell insurance.
SHIP is staffed by a crew of volunteer counselors who have completed an intensive 4-day training course and are certified by the Indiana State Department of Insurance. Regular training updates keep them current with the most recent changes in Medicare and other health care insurance options.
SHIP counselors are committed volunteers who offer you free and objective assistance in complete confidence.
Request a SHIP Speaker in Your Town Contact SHIP SHIP Activities & Presentations Becoming a SHIP Volunteer Volunteer Information Medicare Coverage Medicare Preventive Services * Supplementing Medicare Medicare Advantage Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage in 2007 Low-Income Assistance Long Term Care Insurance Would You Like To Become A SHIP Volunteer? Resources and Links Brochures Ask SHIP
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free & unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana Department of Insurance for Medicare beneficiaries in Indiana.
Click on the underlined topics below for more information.
Contact us for our free services: Ask questions, request brochures and information packets, comment on our web site, or schedule a SHIP speaker--all for free.
See what's happening in your area.
Join a growing force of volunteers who are the key to SHIP's success. Do you have what it takes to help others in your community?
Learn more about what SHIP volunteers are doing.
Answers to common questions about Medicare, including coverage, enrollment, eligibility, and claims.
A chart of preventive services, how often they are available, and co-pays & deductibles that apply.
A description of Medicare Supplement policies: how they can help you, and which companies sell them in Indiana.
An introduction to Medicare Advantage health plans: a description of the plans, who is eligible, and what plans are available where you live.
Learn about the Medicare prescription drug coverage and the private companies offering plans in Indiana.
Deductible, coverage limits, and out-of-pocket expenses.
Suggestions for those who need help paying for Medicare and medications.
Suggestions for those who need help with Long Term Care.
Be the Medicare expert for your local community!
A list of where our counselors are located. Also, phone numbers you should know and links to other informative web sites.
A list of brochures related to the SHIP site.
A Collection of Question & Answer Newspaper Columns on Topics Related to Medicare, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, Long Term Care Insurance, Prescription Coverage, and Low-Income Assistance
- I have a complaint against my insurance company, who do I contact?
- How do I file a complaint against an insurance company?
- Where can I find out about insurance law in Indiana?
- How do I file a complaint against a qualified health care provider?
- How do I find out more about COBRA coverage?
- Am I eligible for Medicare?
- What if I have a self-insured health plan? What is ERISA? Why can't the state de...
- How can I ensure that I will be notified when updates to Indiana Insurance rules...
- What does Medicare cover?
- How much does Medicare cost?
- File a complaint.
- Become an insurance producer.
- Check out a health care provider.
- Find a company's registered agent.
- See a list of licensed insurance companies.
- File a medical malpractice complaint.
- Learn about Medicare.
- Compare Medicare Supplement plans.
- See what enforcement actions IDOI has taken.
- Learn about COBRA coverage.
- Know my HIPAA rights.
- Form an insurance company.
- File financial information for my insurance company.
- Qualify under Indiana's Medical Malpractice Act.
- Find a bail bond company.
- Contact SHIP for information.
