Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Division of Insurance	NEWS

Governor Announces Effort to Promote Insurance Counseling Program for Seniors

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich has proclaimed September 6-10, 2004, SHIP Week in Illinois to increase public awareness about the state's free volunteer-supported insurance counseling program for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

"The Senior Health Insurance Program is the cornerstone of Illinois' efforts to assist the Medicare population. The primary reason for our success is the hard work and dedication of the hundreds of volunteers who contribute countless hours to this important counseling program," said Gov. Blagojevich.

SHIP counselors contributed over 13,000 volunteer hours in more than 15,000 counseling sessions and saved Illinois Medicare beneficiaries over $2.5 million. SHIP offices are affiliated with community organizations in nearly all Illinois counties. Many communities have planned SHIP Week activities ranging from free health care screening and expanded counseling hours to information booths in malls and grocery stores.

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance, trains volunteers to assist Illinois citizens who have problems with and questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare HMOs, long term care and other types of health care insurance.

For more information about SHIP or to access the free counseling services, call 1-800-548-9034.

Related Information

Illinois Division of Insurance Senior Health Insurance Program Website :
http://www.ins.state.il.us/Ship/ship_help.htm

SHIP week proclamation by Gov. Blagojevich