The Frederick County State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers confidential, face-to-face counseling assistance for people who have Medicare. Trained staff members are available to help Medicare beneficiaries, family members and caregivers understand Medicare benefits, bills, and Medicare rights.

Included in the SHIP program: 

• Assistance in filing Medicare appeals and help with billing problems
• Help in understanding and applying for Medicare benefits
• Medicare D counseling
• Medicare education

Counselors provide in person and telephone assistance with:

• Assistance with denials, appeals, and grievances
• Community presentations
• Long-term care insurance
• Medicare
• Medicare advantage plans (HMOs)