Senior Health Insurance Program

S.H.I.P. (Senior Health Insurance Program) is a free counseling service for senior citizens who want help understanding their Medicare supplemental insurance bills.

S.H.I.P. counselors are volunteers trained by the Illinois Department of Insurance. They are updated regularly on the changes in Medicare and new options available to seniors.

Volunteers will review the Explanation of Benefits forms from both Medicare and private insurance and tabulate them into an understandable format for their clients. They can help submit claims to private insurance and when necessary, serve as an advocate in billing disputes.

In addition, the counselors can provide objective information on Long Term Care Insurance, nursing home selection and other health issues seniors and their families face. S.H.I.P. does not sell or solicit insurance. All counseling is free and confidential.

The S.H.I.P. program is sponsored by McDonough District Hospital. A S.H.I.P. volunteer is available at MDH on a weekly basis. To schedule an appointment, please call MDH Volunteer Services at (309) 836-1579. A volunteer is also available the first Thursday of each month at Citizens Bank, downtown Macomb, from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m.