Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders 

Are you a Florida Medicare beneficiary feeling overwhelmed by your healthcare options? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), known as SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) in Florida, is here to help. Let's explore how SHIP and licensed Medicare insurance agents can assist you in navigating your Medicare journey.

What is SHINE?

SHINE is Florida's State Health Insurance Assistance Program, offering free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. This valuable resource helps Floridians make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage.

How SHINE Helps Florida Medicare Beneficiaries

SHINE counselors can assist you with:

1. Understanding Medicare benefits and coverage options

2. Comparing Medicare Advantage and Prescription Drug plans

3. Explaining Medicare rights and protections

4. Addressing billing issues and appeals

5. Providing information on long-term care insurance

The Role of Licensed Medicare Insurance Agents

While SHINE provides excellent guidance, licensed Medicare insurance agents offer additional specialized assistance:

1. Personalized plan recommendations based on your specific needs

2. Assistance with Medicaid and Medicare Savings Program applications

3. Help applying for Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) or Extra Help

4. Guidance on enrolling in Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

5. Ongoing support throughout the year

Applying for Medicaid and Extra Help

Licensed agents can help you navigate the complex process of applying for Medicaid and Extra Help:

1. Determine your eligibility based on income and assets

2. Gather necessary documentation

3. Complete and submit applications

4. Follow up on application status

5. Assist with any required appeals or reconsiderations

Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)

For those eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, licensed agents can help you explore D-SNP options:

1. Explain the benefits of coordinated care

2. Compare available D-SNP plans in your area

3. Assist with enrollment process

4. Ensure smooth transition of care

Why Work with a Licensed Medicare Insurance Agent

1. Expertise: Agents stay up-to-date on the latest Medicare regulations and plan options

2. Time-saving: They do the research and comparisons for you

3. Cost-effective: Their services are typically free to you

4. Advocacy: Agents can intercede on your behalf with insurance companies

5. Year-round support: Get help during Annual Enrollment and throughout the year

Take Action Today

Don't navigate Medicare alone. Take advantage of the free resources available through SHINE and consider working with a licensed Medicare insurance agent for personalized assistance. To get started:

• Contact Florida SHINE at 1-800-963-5337

• Visit www.floridashine.org for more information

• Reach out to a licensed Medicare insurance agent in your area

Remember, whether you choose SHINE or a licensed agent, expert help is available to ensure you make the most of your Medicare benefits in Florida. 

See if You Qualify For A Medicare Special Assistance 1-877-343-4648 

Sometimes you can change your Medicare plan outside of the confines of open enrollment. 

Some Top Medicare Advantage Plans

Humana

UnitedHealthcare/AARP

Aetna

Anthem

Florida Blue

Blue Cross Blue Shield

AvMed Medicare

BayCare Health Plans

Capital Health Plan

Care Plus

Doctors HealthCare Plans

Freedom Health

Gold Kidney Health Plan

Health First Health Plans

HealthSun Health Plans

Leon Health Plans

Optimum Healthcare

Prominence Health Plan

Simply Healthcare Plans

Solis Health Plans

Ultimate Health Plans

Wellcare

Cigna