Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program

By Kendra Knouff
eMedicareSupplements Senior Writer

The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP), established in 1984, was designed as a free counseling service to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and their caregivers. MMAP has been able to provide Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, their caregivers, and their family members with education and counseling assistance. The program was established as a free health care counseling service to assist seniors in navigating the world of Medicare and Medicaid and has trained counselors who are able to help in a number of areas. These include:

• Finding resources for prescription drug assistance
• Explaining Medicare Health Plan options
• Understanding doctor bills, hospital bills and Medicare Summary Notices
• Understanding Medicare/Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims and appeals
• Enrolling in Medicare Savings Programs
• Reviewing your Medigap (supplemental) insurance needs, comparing policies and pursuing claims and refunds
• Exploring long-term care financing options, including long-term care insurance
• Identifying and reporting Medicare/Medicaid fraud and abuse

The counselors provided by MMAP, many of whom are seniors, are experts who have been trained in Medicare and Medicaid law and regulations, health insurance counseling, and relevant insurance products. MMAP receives funding through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, the Medicare agency and a grant from the Administration on Aging. It is part of a national program known as SHIP (State Health Assistance Program). This means that the MMAP program and its counselors have no affiliation with any insurance company; therefore, MMAP will be able to provide you with objective and confidential assistance. The MMAP counselors are not licensed to sell insurance, and their purpose is to act as guides and answer any questions you may have. They have counseled many of Michigan’s elderly and disabled population, saving them thousands of dollars.

Along with providing one-on-one counseling and assistance, MMAP counselors are available to lead group presentations covering Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage, Medicare and Medicaid fraud and abuse, and many other topics relevant to Medicare or Medicaid beneficiaries and their family members and caregivers.

All MMAP services are provided free of charge. To contact MMAP with questions, for counseling and assistance, or to schedule a public presentation, please call 1-800-803-7174.