Nebraska Department of Insurance
THE NEBRASKA SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE INFORMATION PROGRAM (SHIIP) SHIIP BROCHURE
SHIIP educates Medicare beneficiaries, assisting seniors and those with disabilities in making informed decisions on topics related to health insurance
Mission
Because Medicare, Medicaid and other types of health insurance can be confusing to most people, the federal government, through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, funds a senior health insurance assistance program in every state. The Nebraska Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is located within the Nebraska Department of Insurance. SHIIP has a statewide network of volunteer counselors trained to help Medicare beneficiaries across Nebraska.Outreach
An important role of the SHIIP program is to provide outreach and education to Medicare beneficiaries and others regarding health insurance options, benefits, and choices. SHIIP counselors and Staff present on the local, regional, and statewide level. Counselors participate in a variety of outreach projects, from television to radio to newsprint.Trained Volunteers
SHIIP counselors receive training on all aspects of Medicare, Medicaid, long-term care insurance and other health insurance issues. Counselors are available to meet with consumers for one-on-one counseling sessions, to help with existing problems and to provide support during the decision-making process. SHIIP counselors will not recommend policies, companies, or insurance agents, but will provide free, unbiased answers for the questions of beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIIP also provides other services for the public. Counselors will give presentations on a variety of health insurance topics, set up informational displays in public libraries or senior centers, and arrange regular availability for walk-in counseling opportunities.Toll-free Hotline
SHIIP offers a toll-free hotline for residents of Nebraska. Any person eligible for Medicare, concerned relatives, or friends can call the SHIIP hotline for answers to insurance questions or to arrange a meeting with a SHIIP counselor. 1-800-234-7119Literature
The SHIIP office develops and maintains a library of over 100 different reference materials. Resources cover a variety of consumer education issues -- including Medicare, long-term care, Medicaid, group insurance, prescription drug assistance, and many other topics. All literature is available to SHIIP counselors and consumers.Program Management
The SHIIP program is coordinated within the Nebraska Department of Insurance. In some areas of the state, SHIIP contracts with regional representatives to manage counselor activities and answer SHIIP hotline calls.SHIIP can help with:
- Medicare eligibility & benefits
- Medicare claims & claim filing
- Medicare supplement insurance
- Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
- Medicaid eligibility & benefits
- Long-term care insurance
- Group insurance
SHIIP assists the public through:
- Consumer education
- Counseling
- Trained volunteers
- Toll-free hotline
- Educational literature
Nebraska Department of Insurance
Terminal Building
941 "O" Street, Suite 400
Lincoln, NE 68508-3639
(402) 471-2201
1-800-234-7119
TDD: 1-800-833-7352
shiip@doi.state.ne.us
www.doi.ne.gov/shiip
This publication has been created or produced by the State of Nebraska SHIIP Program with financial assistance
through a grant from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Federal Medicare Agency.
Rev.03/2005
DOI 4982