mI Options

MI Options can help you make choices about your health benefits.

MI Options provides free health insurance counseling to people with Medicare, their family members, or caregivers. MI Options counselors are trained to provide education, assistance, and advocacy related to Medicare and Medicaid.

 

 

 

What is Medicare?

SHIP counselors can cover many topics:

  • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Supplemental insurance
  • Prescription drug coverage
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Medicare health plans
  • Medicare-Medicaid fraud and abuse
  • New health care options

Call MI Options toll-free help line at 1-800-803-7174 to speak with a counselor, or to find out how to become a volunteer SHIP counselor, and for more information, please visit:

What is Person-Centered Options Counseling?

MI Options is a program that empowers and provides enhanced information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences. The program includes free, unbiased Medicare counseling services through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act Program, and Person-Centered Options Counseling for adults needing assistance to support their needs for long-term services and supports.

 

Brochure shows a MI Options Program title with joined hands being comforted; it explains Medicare and person-centered long-term care counseling services in a calm, informational layout. Transcription: Michigan’s MI Options Program What is MI Options? MI Options is a program that empowers and provides enhanced information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences. The program includes free, unbiased Medicare counseling services though the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act Program, and Person-Centered Options Counseling for adults needing assistance to support their needs for long-term services and supports. Medicare Counseling Includes: • Medicare enrollment assistance. • Medicare and Medicaid coordination. • Discussion on cost savings options, like the Medicare Savings Program and the Low-income subsidy, also known as Extra Help. • Prescription drug coverage options. • Billing questions. • Benefits explanation. Medicare Counseling services are open to any Medicare beneficiary, family member or caregiver who supports them, regardless of income, assets or disability status. Person-Centered Options Counseling Includes: • Exploring the spectrum of long-term care and support options for adults, including home- and community-based services. • Identifying next steps after a major life event to better understand what services and supports are available. • Building actionable steps for pursuing options that respect clients’ preferences and values. Person-Centered Options Counseling services are available to any adult, their family members and caregivers who support them, regardless of income, assets or disability status. With the right foundation from MI Options, individuals can look at the future with confidence and peace of mind. A trained expert can help navigate what kind of care a Michigan resident or their loved one might need as they age, what it will cost, and how to stay at home and maintain independence. Individuals who would like to schedule an appointment can call 1-800-803-7174. MDHHS Michigan Department of Health & Human Services MDHHS-Pub-2145 (Rev. 8-25) The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of race, national origin, color, sex, disability, religion, age, height, weight, familial status, partisan considerations, or genetic information. Sex-based discrimination includes, but is not limited to, discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, sex characteristics, and pregnancy.

 

Medicare Card:

Medicare cards were updated in 2018 to remove the social security number, gender, and signature line.

The social security number was replaced with a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). All Medicare cards were replaced in 2019. As of January 1, 2020, beneficiaries will only be allowed to use the new card.

 

Four smiling older adults linking arms and laughing while standing indoors in front of a teal wall and a promotional banner. Text in image (verbatim): SMP Senior Medicare Patrol 6/1-6/5 MEDICARE FRAUD PREVENTION WEEK! Supported by a $1,500,000 grant with 100% funding from ACL/HHS. Contents do not necessarily represent the official views of the U.S. Government.

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week (June 1- June 5)

Medicare Fraud Prevention Week is a national awareness campaign led by the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). This week highlights the important steps individuals, caregivers, and communities can take to prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse.

Medicare fraud continues to impact individuals and families across the country—costing time, money, and personal well-being. During this week, DAAA and partners will share resources, tips, and tools to help you stay informed and protected.

Why It Matters:
Medicare beneficiaries are the first line of defense in stopping fraud. By learning how to recognize warning signs and protect personal information, you can help safeguard your benefits and prevent scams before they happen.

Key Takeaways:

Learn how to spot suspicious charges or services
Understand how to protect your Medicare number
Discover how to track your health care services and statements
Know when and how to report suspected fraud

Who Should Participate:
Older adults, caregivers, family members, providers, and community partners committed to protecting Medicare benefits.