Free SHIP Counseling Helps Montgomery County Residents Navigate Medicare
Bev Randall and Ronelle Herzberg of Montgomery County Memorial Hospital and Clinics explain how the no-cost Senior Health Insurance Information Program works — and why now is the time to schedule an appointment.
SHIP counseling is useful if you:
• Are turning 65 or approaching Medicare for the first time
• Are already on Medicare and want an annual review
• Need to compare prescription drug plans for the coming year
• Are on a Medicare Advantage plan and want to confirm it still fits
• Are still working at 65 and unsure whether you need Part B yet
• Received a letter from an insurance company and are not sure what it means
• Suspect fraud or abuse and want help looking into it
When to Start
If you are turning 65, you generally have a seven-month Initial Enrollment Period: three months before your birthday month, your birthday month, and three months after. Herzberg’s advice is not to wait until one month before you turn 65. Processing takes time.
People who know they will retire in the coming year can come even earlier. Counselors will put together information packets so families can review options before the three-month window begins. For a first-time enrollee, lining up Medicare start dates, supplement coverage, and related paperwork can take close to two months.
What to Bring
A first visit can be as simple as sitting down to talk. To make the appointment productive, bring:
• Your Medicare card (and any other insurance cards)
• A current list of prescriptions if you want next year’s drug coverage reviewed
• Medicare.gov usernames and passwords, if you already have an account
Counselors will ask whether you already receive Social Security (which typically means Parts A and B cards are issued automatically), whether you or a spouse will still have employer coverage at 65, and whether Part B is needed right away.
