Medicare and other types of health insurance can be confusing to many people; therefore, the federal government, through the Administration for Community Living, funds a state health insurance assistance program in every state. The Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are divisions of the Nebraska Department of Insurance. The Nebraska State Health Insurance Assistance Program contracts with Northeast Nebraska Area Agency on Aging to provide local help for Nebraskans with Medicare. The SHIP toll-free number is (800) 234-7119 for residents of Nebraska.
SHIP/SMP has a statewide network of certified counselors trained to educate people about Medicare and Medicare Fraud Awareness.
SHIP/SMP can help with:
- Medicare eligibility & benefits
- Medicare Fraud Awareness
- Medicare Supplement Insurance
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
- Extra help with prescription costs
- Medicare Advantage Plans
- Cost Plans
- Employer and Retiree Insurance
SHIP counselors will not recommend policies, companies or insurance agents but will provide free, unbiased answers to the questions of consumers and their caregivers.
An important role of the SHIP program is to provide outreach and education to people with Medicare and others regarding health insurance options, benefits, and choices. Counselors are available to meet with consumers for personalized counseling, to help with problems, and to provide support during decision making.
Nebraska SHIP administers the SMP program helping individuals prevent, identify and report possible Medicare fraud, error, or waste, and provides consumer tips on avoiding health care scams.
Want more information?
Any person eligible for Medicare, relatives, friends, or providers can call for answers to insurance questions or to arrange a meeting with a SHIP counselor at (800) 234-7119.