Sept. 30, 2009

Helping SHIPs Help Medicare Beneficiaries

This is an exciting time for the SHIP network. SHIPs are increasingly recognized at the national level for their work helping Medicare beneficiaries make informed decisions and access health care and other critical benefits. And there seems to be a growing understanding on the part of decisionmakers that beneficiaries need ample time and information in order to make choices about their health care to ensure quality of life and economic security.

At HAP, we believe the experiences and expertise of the SHIP community represent an important voice in the Medicare program, and we are committed to bringing that perspective to decisionmaker audiences. You have always been champions on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries, and we are proud to work in support of your priorities.

As we head into the fall, a number of proposals have emerged from Congress as part of the health care reform discussion that consider the needs of beneficiaries, and how to better equip SHIPs to serve those needs. We are working to inform and educate in two key areas: moving the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) and helping to increase funding for SHIPs. Recently released proposals by Congress include a provision to move up the AEP by several weeks and eliminate the Open Enrollment Period (OEP). There is also support for extending last year's investment in SHIP efforts to reach and enroll lower income and vulnerable Medicare beneficiaries in the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) program and in Medicare Savings Programs (MSP).

We will update you as Congress continues its discussion, and comes to final agreement. In the meantime, check out the newly launched Public Education and Policy section of our Web site for more information on our public education activities, including the Troubleshooting Medicare project to help improve the Medicare program by identifying persistent and systemic issues that affect beneficiaries across the country.

Sincerely,
The HAP Team

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