In Illinois, there are 1.6 million Medicare Beneficiaries and care givers wade through troubled waters of today`s healthcare system, confused, overwhelmed, and frustrated about insurance. Some are drowning in medical bills as a result. These are people who simply need a helping hand and an experienced voice to understand their policies.

SHIP, Senior Health Insurance Program, is a free insurance counseling service, sponsored by the Illinois Department of Insurance, for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. The Illinois Department of Insurance trains SHIP counselors to:
* Answer questions about Medicare Supplement insurance, long term care insurance, Medicare managed care plans and other health insurance.
* Organize and assist in filing Medicare Supplement claims.
* Analyze Medicare Supplement and long term care insurance policies.
* Appeal claim denials

SHIP counselors are available free of charge in each of our CCU offices. Please call the office in the county in which you reside in to make an appointment.

Effingham : Contact Senior Services of Effingham County at 217-347-5569.

Clay County: Contact Nancy Byers at 1-888-618-7304.

Fayette County: Contact Ginger Hamilton at 1-866-618-4122.

Marion County: Contact Kay Crooks at 1-800-295-2903.