AARP invites SHIP to attend these events...

You’ve earned a say in the future of Medicare and Social Security!



Join AARP Alabama for lunch or an after-hours mixer on March 21 and 22 for the national launch of “You’ve Earned a Say.”



AARP is taking the debate about the future of Medicare and Social Security out from behind closed doors in Washington so you can have a voice.



Bring a friend, family member or guest to a free luncheon on March 21 or an after-hours mix and mingle on March 22. (The public is invited. Adults only, please.) Space is limited so register today!



Where: Birmingham Botanical Gardens

2612 Lane Park Road

Birmingham, AL 35223



When: March 21, 2012

11:30 a.m.



RSVP: Register for the luncheon online or call 1-877-926-8300.







Where: Wine Loft

2200 1st Ave. N

Birmingham, AL 35203



When: March 22, 2012

5 – 7 p.m.

RSVP: Register for the mixer online or call 1-877-926-8300.



Keep up with what AARP Alabama is doing. Visit our website, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Getting Extra Help!

The numbers are here! The numbers are here!

If you are unaware of what I am talking about let me tell you. As a Medicare beneficiary you have the right to extra help with your Part B Medical Premium through the Medicare Savings Program(MSP),(which is administered by your state Medicaid Office); and/or your Part D Drug cost, premium, and co-payments through the Low Income Subsidy Program (LIS) (which is administered by the Social Security Administration). Both of these extra help programs are based on your income and vary from state to state.

Every year in February the Federal Government releases income qualification limits for these programs. Each limited is based on the Federal Poverty Level in each State and raises that have been give to the beneficiaries in their Social Security checks. These changes will allow those that may have not been able to qualify for the programs last year, qualify for them this year.

 In order to see if you qualify and to fill out or receive your application for the programs please call your local SHIP office or go to http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/search-results.aspx?cacheKill=7506  to find your local SHIP office. Here in Alabama you can call 1.800. AGE. LINE(1.800.243.5463)

What's Next

Now that Medicare Open Enrollment is over what is next for Medicare? Well here in at the SHIP department we are getting ready to educate our volunteers, health and social service professionals, and non-profit senior citizen organizations on the ins and outs of Medicare. We know that when October 2012 hits people will bombard the individuals listed above with questions, how to's, and what to do's about Medicare. We want to make sure that they are ready and prepared for the next step. So if you are interested in coming a Volunteer no matter how far or close we would be happy to have you. Just send your inquire to oscs.ship@gmail.com and we will send you next step to volunteering and making a difference in your community through education and knowledge of Medicare.

Quote for today: "Never allow the wisdom you obtained from your past become valueless in your present."--Shawndrika L. Cook-Duff