Have questions about Medicare? These volunteers can help

Free health insurance counseling is now available by phone for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

Senior Health Insurance Program volunteer counselors can answer questions about Medicare, Medicare supplements, prescription drug plans and Advantage plans, according to a news release from Morris Hospital.

SHIP is a program of the Illinois Department of Aging and is not affiliated with insurance companies. Morris Hospital is the sponsor for these volunteers. The volunteers are certified by Medicare to provide information. They do not sell or solicit insurance, the release said.

The open enrollment for seniors and disabled individuals with a Medicare Drug Plan and Advantage Plan is Tuesday to Dec. 7. During the open enrollment period, these people can change plans without penalty, the release said.

However, Morris Hospital SHIP is not certified to help people under age 65 who are not currently on Medicare with obtaining medical coverage through the Illinois Marketplace, Mary Alcaraz, coordinator of the Morris Hospital based SHIP Program, explained in the news release.

Instead, she recommended calling 866-311-1119 to enroll in the Illinois Marketplace offerings or to locate a local counselor.

But Alcaraz did say why people may wish to change their plans.

"Maybe your current drug plan is going to be more expensive in the new year, or the existing plan will no longer cover certain medications next year," Alcaraz said. "Sometimes people are not satisfied with the level of service provided with their existing plan, or they want a plan that offers mail order. There are all kinds of options to consider."

However, navigating Medicare coverage and all its options can be complicated, Alcaraz said in the release. That's the reaons for the SHIP volunteer counselors.

"We're here to help people make educated decisions with regards to the various drug and supplemental programs that are available to seniors and disabled persons," Alcaraz said in the release.

To schedule a phone consultation with a SHIP counselor, call Morris Hospital at 815-705-1063.