Contrary to popular belief, Medicare isn’t free. Monthly premiums, copays and yearly deductibles add up quickly — not to mention out-of-pocket costs on prescription drugs. Navigating Medicare’s complex system by yourself can be overwhelming. It feels easier to just stick with your current plan and hope for the best. But staying put can mean losing out on huge savings — potentially thousands of dollars a year. If you want to explore your Medicare options but don’t know where to start, a network of free federally-funded programs can help. What Is the State Health Insurance Assistance Program? The State Health Insurance Assistance Program , or SHIP, is a national network of trained volunteers who provide one-on-one assistance, counseling and education to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. SHIP was created more than 30 years ago under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990. Each state uses federal grant money to administer its own SHIP. Your state’s progr
... one of the largest curated content blog on the internet about personal finance and other financal-related matters.