Senior and Disabilities Services

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Alaska State Health Insurance ProgramSenior Medicare Patrol Button

 

We are Alaskans helping Alaskans get more out of their Medicare. We are funded through two programs: State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).

SHIP provides one–on–one personalized counseling, education and outreach to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. This allows people to better understand and utilize their Medicare benefits.

SMP educates Medicare beneficiaries and others on how to spot and report potential Medicare errors, fraud, waste and abuse. SMP is a program of the U.S. Administration on Aging (AOA).

 

The Anchorage Neighborhood Health Center, a federally funded community health center is accepting new Medicare patients. 
You can contact the appointment desk at 257-4686. 
They are located at 1217 E. 10th Avenue, Anchorage AK 99501

 

 

SHIP staff jpgWe have a large network of counselors throughout Alaska that help beneficiaris identify and uderstand Medicare and other health insurance programs and plans. If you would like a Medicare101 session please call Judith Bendersky, MPH and Jeanne Larson:
In Anchorage: (907) 269–3680

Toll–free in Alaska: (800) 478–6065

 

Upcoming “New to Medicare” Seminars

Anchorage:

  • January 26, 2010 - 6-8:30pm Tuesday at the Anchorage Loussac Library, Wilda Marston Theatre

Juneau:

  • February 9, 2010 - 6-7:30pm Tuesday at the Juneau Senior Center
    One on One Counseling by appointment February 10

Mat Su Valley:

  • March - Palmer Senior Center - TBD
  • March - Wasilla Senior Center - TBD

Haines, Skagway, Sitka:

  • April - Haines - Senior Village
  • April - Skagway -Municipality of Skagway
  • April - Sitka - SE Alaska Independent Living Center

Cordova, Homer, Valdez:

  • May - Cordova - Native Village of Eyak: Sound Alternatives
  • May - Homer - Homer Senior Citizens, Inc
  • May - Valdez - Valdez Senior Center

Agenda for Public Seminars


Understanding Medicare:
Part A – Hospital Insurance – deductible period, premiums
Part B – Medical Insurance – deductible, premiums
Part C – Medicare Advantage Plans – fee for service
Part D – Prescription Drug Plans – Medicare.gov

Coverage gap, variety of plans, things to look for, avoid
Medicare Supplement Plans (MediGap) &ndash the turquoise guide and 2009 Medigap

Coordination of Benefits (who pays first?)

Limited income?  (applying for Medicaid through Adult Public Assistance)
Medicare Savings Plan – Buy in: What is QMB – 100% federal poverty guidelines for Alaska/full dual beneficiary   SLMB Base – 120%   QI – 135%
Limited Income Subsidy and ways of applying for assistance

Part D – Prescription Drug and using the Planfinder (medicare.gov)

 

See our brochures!  • We Will Help You!  • Gear up for Medicare! – for Alaskans 62 to 65