
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased information and support for individuals navigating Medicare and related insurance. Whether you’re on Medicare due to age or disability, SHIP offers one-on-one counseling to beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers, helping them make informed healthcare decisions. Each year, SHIP helps thousands of Medicare beneficiaries save significantly on healthcare costs. SHIP does not endorse or sell any insurance products.
Here are some ways SHIP can help:
- “New to Medicare” benefits counseling and education
- Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage comparisons and enrollment
- Medicare presentations/classes to groups
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) assistance (Oct.15 – Dec. 7)
- Compare Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Supplement Information (also called Medigap)
- Extra help application assistance for those with limited income/assets
- Pharmaceutical assistance programs/discount cards
- Medicare billing errors and reporting fraud to Senior Medicare Patrol
Contact us
Local: (931) 432-4150
Toll Free State: (877) 801-0044
Email: ship@ucdd.org
Text: (931) 345-3635
Website: www.tnmedicarehelp.com
Facebook: Upper Cumberland SHIP
Coverage Area: 14-county Upper Cumberland region.
Translation services are available in multiple languages. The activities of this agency/program are funded in whole or in part by a grant from Tennessee’s State Unit on Aging.
Annual Enrollment Periods
Annual Enrollment Period assistance is available through SHIP. If you would like detailed plan comparisons sent to you, please pick which option you would like and complete the corresponding worksheet(s).
Medicare Part D Annual Enrollment Period: Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
You can add, drop, or switch Medicare Part D stand-alone coverage, or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You can also switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage. Coverage starts January 1 of the following year.
Medicare Advantage Annual Enrollment Period: Jan. 1 – Mar. 31
You can switch from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another, or switch from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare. You cannot switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage, or drop/add drug coverage with Original Medicare. Coverage starts the following first of the month. (Please complete both worksheets.)
Click below to access/download worksheets:
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers are the heartbeat of the SHIP Program, providing essential support that makes our services possible. Their dedication and commitment allow us to reach more Medicare beneficiaries, ensuring they receive the guidance and assistance they need. Volunteers help with one-on-one counseling, outreach events, and administrative tasks, playing a crucial role in the success of our program. Without their invaluable contributions, many older adults and individuals with disabilities would struggle to navigate the complexities of Medicare.
To learn more about volunteer opportunities with Upper Cumberland SHIP, call our local number at (931) 432-4150. Your time and effort can make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.