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SHIPP Program Saves Nebraskans Millions on Prescription Drug Costs

Volunteers in the SHIPP program have been busy helping Medicare beneficiaries decide whether or not they have the best drug plan for the 2017 year.

Medicare’s open enrollment period ends this Wednesday Dec. 7th.

SHIPP, the federally funded Senior Health Insurance Information Program, has seven regional offices in Nebraska, with the Omaha office run by Volunteers Assisting Seniors, or VAS.  Sue Fredricks, the Executive Director of VAS and the Omaha SHIPP office, 

says the program has saved Nebraskans over 14 million dollars on prescription drugs this year with its free drug plan comparison.          

“When we use Medicare’s website it will actually show us the current plan they are on and what the estimated annual cost that they save on if they stayed on the plan.  Then it will show us plans that will do a better job and what that estimated annual cost will be, and we help them find something that will lower their cost, and that’s how we determine the amount.” 

Fredricks says they helped one person find a plan that covers an expensive cancer medication not covered on his current plan, for a savings of over $100,000 per year.  She admits this was an extreme case, but says they can help nearly everyone who comes in save something.

Fredricks stresses that the open enrollment period only applies to current Medicare beneficiaries.  She says timing and planning ahead are important for those approaching Medicare eligibility, however, and that in addition to one-on-one counseling sessions by appointment, they offer monthly “New to Medicare” classes.

For more information, the website is www.VAS-nebraska.com