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CMS sets aside $31.7 million to fund SHIPs

Patient Financial Services Weekly Advisor, April 15, 2005

CMS announced April 11 a 50% increase-$31.7 million-in funding for the State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs).

SHIPs help all Medicare beneficiaries stay informed of their eligibility for prescription drug coverage, that they will have a choice of at least two plans, and that there will be extra assistance for those in need, according to a CMS press release.

CMS says focusing on education and awareness counseling is crucial before November 15, 2005, when general enrollment for the new Medicare drug coverage begins. The agency said it expects the network to provide personalized counseling to as many as five million beneficiaries as part of their effort.

HHS Secretary Mike Leavitt addressed the 54 SHIP state directors and 1,200 local SHIP program coordinators and volunteers, and said, "We have a tremendous challenge before us in educating the 41 million Medicare beneficiaries. You and the 10,000 counselors you mobilize in the SHIP network are key partners. Together we must insure that America's Medicare beneficiaries and people with disabilities are fully informed of the new prescription drug coverage and are able to make confident decisions on what is best for them. This mission requires your best efforts."

To read CMS' press release, click here.

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