The Porter County office of the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free and unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana Department of Insurance for Medicare beneficiaries in Indiana. SHIP counselors are available year round for in-person or remote appointments via phone or Zoom. To make an appointment, call 219-464-1028 or email SHIP@portercountyacs.org.

During the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period (October 15 - December 7), SHIP counselors assist Medicare beneficiaries with reviewing their Medicare drug and Advantage plans for the upcoming year.

Year-round assistance includes providing answers to common questions about Medicare, such as: coverage, enrollment, eligibility and claims; explaining Medicare Supplemental (Medigap) policies and which companies sell them in Indiana; providing information on Medicare Advantage health plans and what plans are available where individuals live; and offering information about the Medicare prescription drug plans offered in Indiana and how to select the best one for individual needs.

SHIP counselors also help Medicare beneficiaries with determining eligibility for any of the financial assistance programs that are available to help with Medicare costs, including prescription drug plan premiums and drug co-pays, Medicare Part B premium, Medicare Part A & B deductibles and co-payments for doctor and hospital services. Check out information on the money saving programs that are available.

SHIP counselors are available to speak to groups that are wanting to learn more about Medicare, Medicare financial assistance programs or becoming a SHIP counselor. To schedule a SHIP volunteer to attend your event, contact SHIP coordinator Ginger Brockwehl at 219-464-1028 or ship@portercountyacs.org.