JCAAA Services - Apprise Telecenter

Apprise is the State Health Insurance Assistant Program (SHIP) for Pennsylvanians aged 60 and over. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging created APPRISE to help older Pennsylvanians better understand their health insurance options and make sound decisions about what is best for them.

Apprise counselors are specially trained volunteers that can answer your questions about original Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, long-term care insurance, and preventative care. The counselors have direct access to federal and state Medicare information and resources. The counselors can:

• Help you understand original Medicare benefits by explaining which services are covered under Parts A and B and your Medicare Summary Notice
• Help you make informed choices about Medicare coverage options, including the new Medicage + Choice options
• Help you understand the Medicare appeals process and assist you with the appeals paperwork
• Help you select a Medigap insurance policy by explaining the benefits that are offered under each plan, and by providing you with a list of companies that sell Medigap plans.
• Inform you about eligibility for prescription drug programs and programs that pay Medicare deductions, co-payments, and Part B premiums

For assistance with your health insurance questions, feel free to call an Apprise Counselor at 1-800-783-7067.

The Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging answers the Apprise Telecenter phones once a week and that day is Friday. The telecenter is staffed by trained volunteers who are here to answer general questions, mail you literature on Medicare, Medigap, and other insurance issues, and refer you to your local Apprise office in the state.

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