Information and Assistance and

State Health Insurance Counselors

 

Downloadable Senior Resource Directory October 2012

If you need a printed copy of this Senior Resouce Guide, please call 457-7352 to request a copy.

Information and Assistance Counselors

RMDC’s Area IV Agency on Aging Information and Assistance (I& A) staff help senior citizens access the information and services they need to live independently and with dignity. They act as advocates to help seniors and their families. They link older adults and families to community health, transportation, in-home assistance, medical, and legal resources. RMDC’s Information and Assistance Counselors are also Montana State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselors.

For example, I & A staff members consult with senior citizens and/or their families in circumstances including but not limited to, when a senior:

• is considering a move to a new area or new facility;
• wants to get their end-of-life legal paperwork in order;
• may not be able to handle their own banking or bill paying any longer;
• needs additional assistance with meals or housekeeping;
• needs help with transportation;
• can’t make their retirement stretch to cover basic housing, utility, or food bills;
• seeks more education or activity than seems currently available;
• is in family crisis, for whatever reason; or
• is in medical or emotional crisis.

To contact an I & A Counselor :  Call 1-800-551-3191 or 406-447-1680. You may be asked to leave a message so than an I & A/SHIP Counselor can return your call and set an appointment date.

In the Bozeman area, call 406-522 -8976 or 406-587-0965.

State Health Insurance Assistance

RMDC’s I & A staff are also trained Montana State Health Insurance (SHIP) Counselors.

SHIP Counselors assist clients with Medicare, Medicaid and private health insurance decisions. Counselors work with clients to find the best coverage choices and to see that clients receive the benefits for which they are eligible.

RMDC’s SHIP Counselors are trained in Medicare eligibility, benefits, and options and private supplemental health insurance options. SHIP counselors are not connected with any insurance company and are not licensed to sell insurance.  They provide independent, objective, and confidential assistance, under the guidance of the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, Senior & Long Term Care Division. The program is funded by CENTERS FOR MEDICARE AND MEDICAID SERVICES (CMS).

Specifically, RMDC’s I & A and SHIP counselors provide direct, free, and noncommercial information on Medicare Eligibility, Enrollment and Benefits including:

• Medicare Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage) plan comparisons
• Related types of health insurance benefits
• Medigap (Supplemental) Insurance
• Medicare Health Plans  
• Medicare Fraud, Waste and Abuse
• Long Term Care options and information  

To contact a SHIP Counselor :  Call 1-800-551-3191 or 406-447-1680. You may be asked to leave a message so than an I & A/SHIP Counselor can return your call and set an appointment date.

In the Bozeman area, call 406-522-8976 or 406-587-0965.

Information about Medicare A, B, C, and D and supplement policies are also available on Medicare’s own website.