Alton Memorial SHIP office available for Medicare questions by phone, in-person soon

The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), sponsored by Medicare and the Illinois Department on Aging, has an office at Alton Memorial Hospital’s main campus.

SHIP serves people who are nearing Medicare eligibility and those wanting to review their coverage during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 each year.

The office is accepting telephone consultations and will soon be open again for in-person consultations.

Appointments are required and can be made by calling the BJC Central Scheduling Department at 800-392-0936. Ask for Medicare insurance counseling at Alton Memorial Hospital. The direct office phone is (618) 463-7182.

The SHIP office provides free, confidential and unbiased counseling for all Medicare beneficiaries. Counseling is available for all Medicare-related questions, including:

• Medicare Supplement Plans
• Medicare Advantage Plans
• Medicare Drug Plans