IDOI SHIP program launches events to help Hoosiers navigate Medicare open enrollment

The Indiana Department of Insurance State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has started its statewide virtual and on-site Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment presentations and events to help Hoosiers prepare for Medicare Open Enrollment. Hoosiers eligible for Medicare will be able to select coverage for 2024 from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, 2023.

SHIP is the state's official Medicare educational and counseling program. During these presentations and events, participants will learn Medicare fundamentals and changes, how to compare plans, prescription drug coverage options, and ways to save money.

After Oct. 15, one-on-one health insurance counseling will be available at select locations throughout the state. Virtual appointments are also available. Plan comparisons for 2024 are included in most one-on-one appointments.

The careful evaluation of Medicare Advantage options is imperative because plans may have different benefits, out-of-pocket costs, covered prescription drugs, in-network physicians, and premiums each year. Medicare will release 2024 plan information on Oct. 1 at medicare.gov.

A current list of presentations and events (both in-person and virtual) can be found at www.medicare.in.gov. For more information regarding one-on-one counseling appointments at local SHIP sites, call SHIP's Helpline at 1-800-452-4800 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Medicare representatives are available at the national call center 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.