ATLANTA – GeorgiaCares is determined that no Medicare beneficiaries in the state will be uncertain or confused about services offered by the federal and state health insurance program.

The public-private partnership helps Medicare beneficiaries understand their choices and assists them in enrolling in a Medicare plan that fits their needs. GeorgiaCares- trained counselors offer free help to those on Medicare who are 65 years or older, and to qualified people with disabilities under 65, so they do not have to pay someone to help them understand their benefits.

GeorgiaCares provides individual counseling, education and outreach to Medicare beneficiaries around the state through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). This program helps beneficiaries identify and understand Medicare health and drug plans, including Medicare Supplement Insurance, prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage Plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance coverage options.

GeorgiaCares also administers the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP), which teaches Medicare beneficiaries how to protect their personal identity and how to detect and report potential errors, fraud and abuse.

GeorgiaCares reached 99,817 individuals through SHIP and SMP outreach and education events last year. The program relies on 238 active volunteers at Area Agencies on Aging and the Georgia Legal Services Program.

GeorgiaCares is administered through the Georgia Department of Human Services Division of Aging Services. If you want more information about GeorgiaCares and other services available to older Georgians and their families, visit the DHS Division of Aging Services at www.aging.ga.gov or call toll-free 1-866-552-4464 and select Option 4 to speak to a Medicare counselor.