Connect Rural Seniors to Medicare Savings Programs

Rural Maryland has over 280,000 60 + Seniors and by 2030 several rural counties in Maryland will experience dramatic increases by over 100% in their 60+ populations. St. Mary's, Frederick, Charles, and Calvert counties will experience an over 200% increase in their Senior population by 2030. Rural Maryland has concentrations of older, poorer Seniors living in poverty and eligible for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).

The Maryland Rural Health Association has partnered with local rural Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) coordinators and volunteers to outreach on the Medicare Savings Programs. A SHIP coordinator is located in every county and is available, free of charge, to help Seniors and to understand their health insurance benefits, bills and rights. Counselors provide in-person and telephone assistance in Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Program, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, long term care insurance, medical assistance programs, and much more in relation to Medicare and health care. To locate a SHIP coordinator in your rural county please visit: http://www.aging.maryland.gov/senior.html.