mI Options
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) can help you make choices about your health benefits.
SHIP provides free health insurance counseling to people with Medicare, their family members, or caregivers. SHIP 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 SHIP 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 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 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.
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.
