Older adults, people with disabilities, and their families and caregivers need assistance understanding the A, B, C and Ds of Medicare. Operating in every state, State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) answer questions about Medicare and help people solve problems. In Michigan, this program is known as MMAP - Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program.
Recently, the Senate Appropriations Committee proposed to eliminate SHIPs. Now, it's up to the House Appropriations Committee to decide the fate of this essential program. The House Appropriations Committee is expected to vote on this July 7, so action is needed now!
Tell your members of Congress to protect SHIPs from an unprecedented cut.
Eliminating SHIPs would leave millions who need support comparing coverage options, appealing denials, applying for financial assistance, and navigating increasingly complex Medicare benefits stranded-with nowhere to turn.
In our three-county region, 39 counselors assisted 6,236 beneficiaries on a one-to-one basis, and 6,184 people were reached through speaking engagements and outreach events.
As 10,000 Baby Boomers age into Medicare each day, rather than defund SHIPs, Congress needs to increase SHIP funding. Write to your elected officials about why investing in unbiased, personalized Medicare counseling is important to you and your community. Click here for the link.
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