10.  What role can a SHIP counselor play with respect to a beneficiary seeking a coverage determination, exception or appeal?
SHIP counselors are permitted a great deal of informal advocacy (including the filling-out of forms) without becoming an actual appointed representative for the beneficiary. However, it is prudent to consider entering into some kind of written agreement between the beneficiary and the counselor to assure that all parties understand the nature and scope of the assistance being given. The appointment of representative form is available on the Medicare web site at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/cmsforms/downloads/cms1696.pdf.

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