1. SHIP Can Assist With The Following:
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living through the Maryland Department of Aging
Primary Function: To provide assistance to individuals eligible for Medicare.
Number of Medicare Beneficiaries in St. Mary’s: Approximately 14,000
Number of Individuals Becoming Eligible Each Year: Approximately 900
Number of Contacts Though St. Mary’s Co. SHIP in 2015: 1,002
Typical length of appointments: 45 minutes
Trends: Individuals transitioning from Medicaid, employment, and Maryland Health Connection plans
Assistance is provided via phone, in-person, community presentations and outreach
What is Medicare? The Federal health insurance program available to individuals age 65; receiving Social Security Disability after a 24 month waiting period; diagnosed with Lou Gehrig or End Stage Renal Disease.
SHIP Can Assist With The Following:
Explain what Medicare covers.
Enroll in Medicare Parts A, B, C, D.
Determine eligibility of Medicaid programs to assist with Medicare premiums, deductibles, co-pays.
Apply for Medicare Savings Programs.
Review Supplemental insurance coverage options.
Review/Enroll in Medicare Part D prescription insurance.
Apply for Federal/State programs to assist with prescription costs.
Explain how Medicare works with retirement insurance policies, and more.

2. Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Grant funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Community Living through the Maryland Department of Aging
What is SMP? A Federally funded program geared towards ending fraud, waste, abuse, and errors in the Medicare and Medicaid Programs.
What defines SMP Fraud?
Phone calls from individuals stating they are from Medicare.
Receiving medical supplies beneficiary or doctor did not request.
Providers billing for services beneficiary did not receive.
Unsolicited visits from insurance agents who sell Medicare products.
Providers offering “free” Medicare services in exchange for Medicare number.
How does the Department assist?
Meet individually with Medicare beneficiaries who have questions/ concerns regarding medical bills.
Contact providers on behalf of beneficiary who experience billing errors.
Reviewing beneficiaries Medicare Summary Notices to ensure accuracy.
Assist with Medicare denial appeals.
Report suspected cases of fraud to Medicare, Maryland Insurance Administration, and Federal Trade Commission.
Conduct community educational outreach to inform public of common fraudulent activities.

3. Senior Information & Assistance (I&A) Grant funded by the Older Americans Act and Maryland Department of Aging
What is I&A: Often times serves as the fist point of entry to Department program’s and services for older adults and their families.
Meets with individuals/ families to determine needs and assists with accessing services.
Types of Programs/Services Available
Energy Assistance/Weatherization
Property Tax Credits
Maryland Homeowner’s Tax Credit
SMC Senior Tax Credit
SMC Senior Matching Credit
Home Repair Programs
XMAS In April
Housing Authority Loans
USDA Loans
Accessible Homes for Seniors
In-Home Care Programs
Community First Choice
DSS Respite Care
DOAHS Respite Program
Legal
Legal Aide Bureau, Inc.
Sixty Plus Program
Nutrition
Social Security
Transportation, and more….

4. Senior Rides Program Grant Funded by the Maryland Transit Administration and the Commissioners of St. Mary’s County
Service: Provides door to door transportation to St. Mary’s County residents age 60 and over.
Rider Qualifications:
Must be able to ambulate independently or with the aide of a walker or cane.
Meet income criteria.
Lack access to affordable alternative transportation options.
Fees: At this time there is no charge for the service.
How Program Works
Volunteers drivers must pass background, MVA and reference check .
Volunteers utilize their personal vehicles and receive mileage reimbursement.
Pre-approved riders make transportation request through the Department’s Coordinator.
Volunteers are matched with rides that meet their availability.
FY16 Stats
R/T Rides:
# of Riders:
# of Hours: 1,232
# of Miles: 25,686