As a consultant for the County of Bergen I run a Post Stroke & Disabled Support Group in Ridgewood, NJ that meets once a week. I have many speakers come to talk about their programs to our group. I do not endorse any of these groups as one being better than another. This is my disclaimer. I only reprint on the website their paperwork and there you have to make your own judgment call. Good Luck to you!

SHIP: Bergen County (201) 336-7413

This is a counseling program for Medicare enrollees administered by the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) The Division of Aging Services NJ Department of Human Services. Administration for Community Living with in the US Department of Health and Human Services.

Division of Senior Services
Bergen County Administration Building
One Bergen County Plaza, 2nd Floor
Hackensack, NJ 07601-7076
(201) 336-7400

How SHIP provides free and confidential assistance:

Our counselors will help you:
*Understand your benefits
*Compare Plans & Policies
*Untangle claims problems

Some of the most frequently asked questions:
*What doesn’t Medicare cover?
*What is patient responsibility?
*What is the difference between a Medigap supplemental policy and an HMO
*Can I switch from Medicare to an HOM and Vice-versa
*What is long-term coverage in nursing homes?
*What is the best prescription drug plan for my needs?

SHIP counselors are volunteers who have been trained by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, Division of Senior Affairs. They can help you answer questions like those shown and will also assist you in contacting insurance companies, resolving claim payment problems and filing complaints. They do not provide legal advice and do not sell, recommend or endorse any specific insurance product, agent or insurance company.

SHIP volunteers have direct access to knowledgeable insurance experts from both the State and Federal governments who can answer the really tough questions. Although some client problems can be resolved easily over the phone, SHIP counselors are available to meet with you face to face. To get the most benefit from your counselor, please follow these steps:

1. Bring your insurance cards
2. To discuss claim payment problems, bring any benefits forms you have received in the mail.
3. To discuss coverage, bring actual policies or outlines of policies you are considering or have questions about.
4. To compare RX drug plans, provide a list of your medications.
5. Call ahead for an appointment.

To request additional information, please check all those that apply and mail this portion or call (201) 336-7413 to speak with a volunteer SHIP counselor:
*Information on Medicare
*Supplemental Insurance Coverage
*Advantage Plans/HMO’s
*Long term Care Policies
*Claim Information
*Appeals Process
*Speaker Information
*Information on becoming a SHIP volunteer
*RX Plan Information

SHIP volunteers can direct you to the proper party on such subjects as:
*Medicare Savings Program
*Managed Care Organization
*Medicaid
*Social Security
*PAAD and Senior Gold
*HEAP-Home Energy Assistance
*Lifeline-Home and Heating
*Home Care Services
*Rehab Services & Nursing Homes

**Satellite Location:
NW Senior Activity Center
46-50 Center Street, Midland Park BY APPOINTMENT call: (201) 445-5690

***What’s New in Medicare:
*Welcome to Medicare Preventive visit
*Alcohol Misuse Screening & Counseling
*Behavioral Therapy for Cardiovascular Disease
*Obesity Screening & Behavioral Therapy
*Screening & Counseling for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI)
*Screening for Depression
*HIV Screening
*Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening
*Mammograms