Governor Blagojevich recognizes volunteers that help Illinois seniors get information

and save money on health insurance

SHIP offers timely counseling and information to the state's Medicare recipients

SPRINGFIELD -- Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today proclaimed September 5-9, 2005, as Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Week in Illinois to thank the hundreds of volunteers who provide counseling and assistance to thousands of Medicare recipients across the state.  Throughout the summer, SHIP coordinators have been training volunteers across the state to deal with the many questions Medicare recipients will have as the enrollment period for the new prescription drug program nears and how Illinois Cares Rx complements the new Medicare program.

“Our seniors need timely, accurate and useful information when it comes to their health care options,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “SHIP volunteers are doing a tremendous job in helping Illinois seniors figure out what their best choices may be, whether it's the new Medicare prescription drug program, I-Save Rx, Illinois Cares Rx, or another of the many options available. Thanks to the skilled volunteers at SHIP, senior citizens will be able to make informed choices and save money on the medicines and coverage they need.”

This year alone, 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. Since the program's inception, more than 2,800 volunteers have contributed nearly 205,000 hours to assist over 176,000 constituents, saving Illinois' residents over $14.6 million.

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.

“Illinois Medicare recipients have some important decisions to make.  Volunteering with SHIP gives me an opportunity to be a part of this historic change by assisting people with understanding the Medicare prescription drug program,” said De Harris, SHIP coordinator, Alton.

SHIP is part of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance, and trains volunteers to assist Illinois residents who have problems with and questions about Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, Medicare HMOs, long-term care and other types of health care insurance. 

All SHIP offices are volunteer-based and supported by local sponsoring organizations. SHIP assistance is offered statewide to Medicare consumers of all ages. SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company and volunteer counselors do not sell or solicit any type of insurance.

As new Medicare drug benefits become available, Governor Blagojevich is leading a major outreach effort that includes SHIP and the Illinois Cares Rx caravan, which is traveling statewide until September 29, with 24 stops reaching 22 cities, and visiting senior centers, community center and community colleges in an effort to reach all Illinois residents who need information about this benefit, including seniors, persons with disabilities and their family members. The caravan is partnering with the Illinois Rural Health Association, Illinois Pharmacists Association, AARP, the Illinois State Medical Society, the Make Medicare Work Coalition, the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging, and the Chicago Department on Aging.

The Illinois Cares Rx program is part of the No Senior or Person with Disability Left Behind Act, signed into law by the Governor last June, and is intended to be the nations' most comprehensive response to fill in the gaps created by the federal prescription drug program.

Information about the Illinois Cares Rx Program is available at 1-800-252-8966. Information about SHIP or access to their free counseling services is available at 1-800-548-9034 or by visiting www.IDFPR.com.

WHEREAS,                 Illinois' senior and disabled populations will have new choices and challenges in dealing with changes in the Medicare program; and

WHEREAS,                 Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) volunteers are essential to the efforts of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Insurance, in educating and assisting Medicare beneficiaries; and

WHEREAS,                 SHIP volunteers will provide much needed advice and assistance to Medicare recipients about their options under the new federal and State health care programs; and

WHEREAS,                 since the Program's inception, more than 2,800 volunteers have contributed nearly 205,000 hours to assist over 176,000 clients, thereby saving Illinois' citizens more than $14.6 million; and

WHEREAS,                 SHIP volunteers are valuable citizens who contribute both their time and talents to improve the lives of Illinois' Medicare beneficiaries:  

THEREFORE, I, Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor of the State of Illinois, proclaim September 5-9, 2005, as SHIP WEEK in Illinois, and join in support of this worthwhile program that is highly beneficial to Illinois' older populations.