Making the correct health insurance decision often depends on how knowledgeable you are about your benefits, options and rights.

The SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program provides elders and their caregivers with information and unbiased health insurance counseling through a network of trained volunteer counselors. Assistance is provided regarding Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care insurance and a variety of other health care issues.

To contact a SHINE counselor, call the ELDER HELPLINE at 1-800-963-5337 or click here to obtain a listing of Elder Helplines in each of Florida’s 67 counties.

Medicare

Medicare Plan Choices in Florida (PDF, 44.0KB)
Explains the various types of Medicare health plan options currently available in Florida including original Medicare and managed care plans.

Medicare Contract HMOs in Florida (PDF, 9KB)
Lists the names and phone numbers of Medicare contract HMOS available by county.

Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) Policies in Florida (PDF, 489KB)
Outside Link. A consumer guide to Medigap (Medicare supplemental) policies in Florida.

Medicare Options for Disabled Beneficiaries Under 65 (PDF, 241KB)
Things to consider when seeking a Medicare supplemental policy if you are disabled and under age 65, and a list of companies currently selling policies.

Preventive Services Covered by Medicare (PDF, 9KB)
Types of preventive health service covered by Medicare including information on who is covered, how often, and how much you pay.

Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Outside Link. Important information you should know about Medicare fraud and abuse including detection and prevention tips.

Medicaid

Medicaid/SSI Related Programs in Florida (PDF, 170KB)
A fact sheet that summarizes Medicaid programs for aged and disabled people, including the institutional care program. Explains eligibility criteria, and gives contact names and phone numbers.

Medicaid Fraud and Abuse
Important information you should know about Medicaid fraud including how to report fraud and abuse.

Prescription Drug Assistance

Sunshine for Seniors Program Fact Sheet(PDF 129KB) Florida's one-stop assistance program designed to help eligible seniors 60 and older take advantage of existing pharmaceutical patient assistance programs.

Silver Saver Fact Sheet (PDF 91KB) A fact sheet explaining the Silver Saver Program eligibility and program benefits. To access an application click here.

Prescription Assistance Fact Sheet (PDF, 256KB)
A 4-page fact sheet summarizing prescription assistance options that may help with the high cost of medications, including information on discount card programs, state programs, uninsured or under 65 consumers, and military contacts.

Prescription Drugs and Other Assistance Programs
The Federal Medicare website that provides state information on available assistance and programs

PhRMA Directory of Prescription Drug Patient Assistance Programs
A directory of prescription drug assistance programs offered by the pharmaceutical industry.

Long Term Care

Options for Lifelong Care Consumer Guide (PDF, 1337KB)
A consumer guide that explains long-term care insurance policies in Florida and community care retirement centers.

Long-Term Care Insurance Self Assessment Guide
A guide to help you decide if you should purchase Long Term Care Insurance.

Where to Go for Additional Help

Learn about SHINE (PDF 120KB)
Find out more about Florida's volunteer network of SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) counselors who help elders and their caregivers understand their rights and options concerning Medicare and other health insurance issues.

How to contact a SHINE counselor (PDF 40KB)
A listing of Elder Helplines by county where you can be put in touch with a SHINE counselor in your community.

Other Helpful Web Sites

Medicare.gov
The official Medicare web site where you can learn the basics of Medicare and search for information on Medicare HMO plans, nursing homes, dialysis facilities, Medicare participating physicians and much more.

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
The official web site of the federal agency that oversees Medicare and Medicaid.

The Administration on Aging
The official web site of the agency of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that serves as a federal focal point and advocate for elder Americans and their concerns.