SHIIP Medicare Counseling & Assistance
Pender Adult Services offers free, confidential, and objective Medicare counseling to help you understand your options, make informed decisions, access prescription savings, and protect against healthcare fraud.
How Can We Help You Today?
Select a service below for appointment scheduling, prescription drug savings, and fraud protection resources.
📅 Schedule a SHIIP Appointment
Appointments are required for one-on-one assistance. Our certified counselors are volunteers trained by the North Carolina Department of Insurance to provide neutral, personalized guidance tailored to your health and financial circumstances.
📋 What to Bring to Your Appointment:
- Your current red, white, and blue Medicare Card
- Complete list of medications with exact dosages and frequency
- Current insurance card(s) (Medigap, Advantage, or retiree plan)
- Any recent Medicare statements or notice letters of concern
💊 Prescription Drug Assistance
We understand how expensive prescription medications can be. Navigating Part D formularies, copays, and the coverage gap can be overwhelming, but you don't have to face it alone.
Cathy Williams
Prescription Specialist • Pender Adult Services
Cathy Williams will work directly with you to review your prescription medication needs and help you access them at the lowest possible cost.
📞 Call Cathy Williams: (910) 259-9119 ext. 318
How Our Prescription Specialist Can Help:
- Evaluating eligibility for the Medicare "Extra Help" (Low Income Subsidy) program
- Identifying patient assistance programs offered by pharmaceutical manufacturers
- Comparing Medicare Part D plans during Annual Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7)
- Reviewing generic substitutions and pharmacy network pricing
🔍 Protect Yourself from Medicare Fraud
SHIIP provides free help through the NC Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP) program, which focuses on preventing, detecting, and reporting Medicare fraud, billing errors, and abuse.
🔍 What We Help You Do:
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Understand your Medicare statementsRead and verify Medicare Summary Notices (MSN) and Explanations of Benefits (EOB).
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Spot billing errors & suspicious chargesCatch claims for medical supplies, tests, or visits you never received.
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Report possible fraud or abuse safelyCoordinate directly with investigators at the state and federal level.
⚠️ Simple Ways to Protect Yourself Every Day
- Review your Medicare statements regularly: Look for dates and services you do not recognize.
- Protect your Medicare number: Treat your Medicare ID like a credit card; never share it with unsolicited callers.
- Be cautious of offers that seem "too good to be true": Scammers frequently offer free back braces, genetic tests, or hospice kits.
- Remember: Medicare does NOT go door-to-door or cold-call consumers to sell products.
- Rarely are Medicare services truly "free": If someone asks for your Medicare card before answering basic questions, be alert.
🛡️ Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) & Fraud Resources
If you believe you may be a victim of fraud or identity theft, there are trusted state and national resources available to help you take action, protect your information, and begin the recovery process.
North Carolina Department of Justice • Consumer Protection
The North Carolina Department of Justice provides robust consumer protection services, including scam alerts, fraud investigation, and assistance filing formal complaints against fraudulent actors.
Through the NC Attorney General's Office, you can:
- File an official consumer protection complaint
- Report deceptive marketing, scams, and unsolicited Medicare sales
- Access comprehensive identity theft protection and recovery tools
- Stay informed on the latest active scams targeting North Carolina seniors
What is SHIIP & What Does It Cover?
The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) was created by the North Carolina Department of Insurance to provide objective, non-commercial answers about Medicare and related health insurance questions.
Original Medicare (Parts A & B)
Understanding hospital coverage (Part A), doctor and outpatient services (Part B), deductibles, enrollment deadlines, and premium penalties.
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs)
Navigating stand-alone prescription drug plans, formulary tiers, pharmacy networks, and applying for Low Income Subsidies.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
Comparing standardized Medigap plans (A through N) that help pay out-of-pocket costs like copayments and deductibles in Original Medicare.
Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Reviewing all-in-one HMO and PPO managed care alternatives offered by private companies approved by Medicare.
Long-Term Care Insurance
Unbiased information about long-term care insurance policies, nursing home care options, and protecting your hard-earned assets.
Appeals & Billing Inquiries
Guidance on how to file an appeal when Medicare denies coverage, and resolving billing discrepancies with healthcare providers.
👥 How Pender Adult Services Helps You
Navigating Medicare does not have to be stressful or confusing. Our trained counselors work side-by-side with older adults and their family caregivers across Pender County to make confident health insurance choices.
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Free, personalized Medicare counseling: Tailored to your specific doctors, medications, and budget.
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One-on-one private appointments: Confidential consultations in a calm, respectful environment.
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Objective plan comparisons: We sell no insurance and receive no commissions—our only loyalty is to you.
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Clear, easy-to-understand guidance: We cut through complex insurance jargon into plain English.
📍 Two Convenient Counseling Locations
Pender Adult Services counselors are available at both of our senior centers. Please call ahead to schedule your appointment:
Heritage Place – Burgaw
901 S Walker St, Burgaw, NC 28425 📞 (910) 259-9119Topsail Senior Center – Hampstead
20959 US-17 S, Hampstead, NC 28443 📞 (910) 270-0708🔗 State & National SHIIP Resources
Connect directly with the official North Carolina Department of Insurance SHIIP division and the Senior Medicare Patrol network.
North Carolina SHIIP
The official statewide resource from the NC Department of Insurance providing Medicare consumer protection, plan information, and educational publications.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
Empowering and assisting Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse.
Ready to Review Your Medicare Options?
Schedule a free, confidential counseling session with one of our certified counselors in Burgaw or Hampstead today.