North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) saved the state’s seniors $30 million last year.
Many retirees and Medicare beneficiaries on a fixed income want to save money wherever they can. Each year, thousands of people contact SHIIP throughout the state to help them identify savings in their Medicare coverages.
“These savings are valuable to older North Carolinians, many of whom are on a fixed income,” Commissioner Causey said. “Now they can use them to spend as they see fit."
Throughout the year, but particularly during the Medicare Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries are urged to compare their current coverage for the Part D prescription drug plan to determine if their current plan is still the most appropriate for the coming year. Each year formularies, prices and programs change. Often, Medicare beneficiaries are unaware of the differences.
In 2022, SHIIP and its coordinating sites statewide assisted 52,482 consumers in saving on their healthcare. In addition, nearly 1,200 consumers received assistance applying for the Extra Help program.
If you have questions about Medicare or the Extra Help program, contact SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 to speak with a trained counselor or to request a free brochure. Contact information for local coordinating sites in each county in North Carolina can be found by visiting www.ncshiip.com.
About SHIIP
SHIIP is a division of the North Carolina Department of Insurance that assists people with Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement, Medicare Advantage and long-term care insurance questions. We also help citizens recognize and prevent Medicare billing errors and possible fraud and abuse through our N.C. Senior Medicare Patrol program.
SHIIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents, and they do not sell, endorse or oppose any product, plan or company. If you have questions about your specific plan, we encourage you to contact your insurance agent or the insurance company.