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SHIP/SMP Medicare Counseling Programs
High Country Volunteers’ Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) and SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) programs help Garfield County Medicare beneficiaries understand coverage, identify gaps, compare plans, resolve billing issues, access low-income assistance programs, prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, and navigate the health care system. We want to help Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions and resolve issues confidently and quickly.
The SHIP Medicare Counseling program is one of High Country Volunteers’ three signature volunteer-led services. We offer free, unbiased, confidential Medicare counseling by trained volunteer counselors. Certified SHIP volunteers meet with Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to:
- Assist with Medicare enrollment (Parts A, B and D)
- Help with Medigap supplemental policies
- Help apply for assistance programs
- Explain medical bills and coverage options
- Identify gaps in coverage
- Support with billing issues, appeals, fraud, and error resolution
Who We Serve
- Eligibility: Must be enrolled in Medicare or in the process of signing up for Medicare.
- Service Area: Garfield County, Colorado
- Cost: Free of charge to participants
How to Participate
- Appointments: Scheduled directly between the volunteer and the client
- Contact: Laura Kay Good at 970‑896‑6210 with questions or to schedule an appointment
- Office Location: Colorado Mountain College, 1402 Blake Avenue, Glenwood Springs, CO
Our SMP program is here to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers in Garfield County to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. Did you know that estimates place Medicare fraud losses at approximately $60 billion annually?
How You Can Help
- Treat your Medicare card like a credit card.
- Don’t take advice or offers of medical services.
- Read your Medicare Summary Notice.
- Ask questions and report problems.
- Never sign blank medical forms
- Consider Using the My Health Care Tracker or the SMP Tracker App to help you keep track of all of your medical appointments
How to Report Suspected Fraud
- Call your provider to question a charge that you don’t recognize.
- If unresolved, contact 1-800-MEDICARE.
- Contact: Laura Kay Good at 970‑896‑6210 at High Country Volunteers if your concern is still unresolved.
Resources:
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Harnessing the Power of Volunteerism.