REAL Services is dedicated to helping elderly seniors and low-income people become and stay independent for life. If you or someone you love needs help, call REAL Services at 574-233-8205.
By: REAL Services + Home Comfort Experts
Open enrollment can be a challenging and stressful time of year for seniors and disabled people in our community. Fortunately, REAL Services of Michiana provides resources to ease the stress of open enrollment season.
The nonprofit organization provides access to the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (S.H.I.P.) counselors to individuals who require assistance with Medicare enrollment. Counselors stand ready to schedule one-on-one appointments with individuals to help guide them through the process.
“We invite caregivers, family members, [and] children to come with their parents, grandparents, [or] loved one to come to that appointment should they need that extra set of eyes or ears for them,” says Madelyn Martinec, development director at REAL Services of Michiana. “It’s a lengthy process and we help them every step of the way.”
The program is provided by the Indiana Department of Insurance and offers free support to individuals. S.H.I.P. counselors can help with health insurance programs related to Medicare and some Medicaid plans.
The 2023 open enrollment period is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
S.H.I.P. counselors can be contacted through the nonprofit’s Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), which connects seniors and disabled individuals with vital services in Elkhart, Kosciusko, La Porte, Marshall, and St. Joseph counties in Indiana.
“Our aging and disability resource center provides resources and referrals for many options in our community,” Martinec says. “The first step is to call us if you have questions on what community services are available.”
The services provided by the ADRC are free and available to any individual in need of assistance or advice, including caregivers.
