The State Health Insurance Counseling Program {SHIP) provides help to NJ Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about Medicare supplement policies, long-term care insurance policies, benefits or claims as well as Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The Bayonne Office on Aging has SHIP counselors trained in areas of health insurance coverage and benefits that affect Medicare beneficiaries, evaluate health insurance needs and provide information and assistance for dealing with claims and choosing Part D prescription drug plans.

Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company, Health Maintenance Organization {HMO), Preferred Provider Organization {PPO) or Private Fee-for-Service {PFFS) plan. They provide information and assistance so that you can make your own decisions.

The Bayonne Office on Aging consists of certified counselors who will give you one-on-one guidance based on your unique situation and needs. The Counselors help with:

• Understanding your insurance choices; 
• How to enroll in Medicare and Medicaid; 
• Insurance plan comparison 
• coverage and costs paying for Medicare and prescriptions
• troubleshooting billing issues
• submitting appeals
• Medicare Open Enrollment {October 15- December 7) 
• referral to other resources