VALDOSTA – The Georgia SHIP is now offering free assistance to Medicare beneficiaries during open enrollment.
Release:
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from Saturday, Oct. 15, through Wednesday, Dec. 7. During this time, adults aged 65 and older and qualified people with disabilities under 65 can review their coverage options and make a choice that meets their health care needs.
The Georgia State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is available all year, but especially during this important time, to help Medicare beneficiaries compare coverage options to ensure they are getting the best available coverage that fits their needs and budget. Georgia SHIP-trained counselors offer free help to those in Medicare who are 65 or older, and to qualified people with disabilities under 65, so they do not have to pay someone to help them understand their benefits.
“During open enrollment, people are usually inundated with mailings and phone calls. With information coming from so many sources, it can be difficult for Georgians to gather the facts needed to make an informed decision on which plan is right for them. Georgia SHIP certified Medicare counselors eliminate the guesswork through free, unbiased consultations,” said Christine Williams, the director of Georgia SHIP.
For more information, visit aging.georgia.gov/georgia-ship, or call one of the numbers listed below to speak to a certified Medicare counselor.
| Community Organization | Hours | Location | Contact Information |
| Legacy Link Area Agency on Aging | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 4080 Mundy Mill Road Oakwood, GA 30566 | 770-538-2650 |
| Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 135 Hoyt Street Athens, GA 30601 | 706-548-4556 |
| The Georgia Legal Services Program | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 104 Marietta Street, N.W. Suite 240 Atlanta, GA 30303 | 877-220-0127 |
| Three Rivers Area Agency on Aging | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 13273 Georgia Hwy 34 E Franklin, GA 30217 | 706-675-9031 |
| The Senior Citizens Council of Greater Augusta and the CSRA, Inc. | 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. | 525 Ellis Street Augusta, GA 30901 | 706-868-0120 |
| Action Pact, Inc. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 111 Medical Arts Drive Reidsville, GA 30453 | 844-364-6361 |
| Action Pact, Inc. | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | 1115 West Baker Hwy Douglas, GA 31533 | 912-380-3753 or 844-364-6361 |
Georgia SHIP is administered through DHS’ Division of Aging Services. Visit aging.georgia.gov to learn about other services available to older Georgians and their families.
