Medicare Assistance

Simplifying Medicare, empowering informed choices, and protecting your benefits.

Medicare

Navigating Medicare can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. North Carolina offers trusted programs to help older adults make informed decisions and protect themselves from fraud.

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP)

Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a free, unbiased counseling service that helps Medicare beneficiaries understand their coverage options. Trained counselors provide one-on-one assistance with:

Enrolling in Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D.
Comparing Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans.
Understanding Medigap policies.
Identifying cost-saving programs, such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.

Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your coverage during Open Enrollment, SHIIP can guide you every step of the way.

Find Your Local SHIIP Counselor

Alleghany County: Alleghany Council on Aging
30 Wellness Way | PO Box 416, Sparta, NC 28675
(336) 372-4640

Ashe County: Generations Ashe
80 Chatty Rob Lane, West Jefferson, NC 28694
(336) 246-2461

Avery County: Avery Senior Services
8060 N US Hwy 19E, Elk Park, NC 28622 | PO Box 447, Newland, NC 28657
(828) 733-8220

Mitchell County: Mitchell Senior Center
152 Ledger School Rd., Bakersville, NC 28705
(828) 688-3019

Watauga County: Watauga County Project on Aging
132 Poplar Grove Connector, Suite A, Boone, NC 28607
(828) 265-8090

Wilkes County: Wilkes Senior Resources
228 Fairplains School Rd. | PO Box 1601, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
(336) 667-5281

Yancey County: Yancey County Senior Center
503 Medical Campus Dr., Burnsville, NC 28714
(828) 682-6011

An older woman reading her phone at home

North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps older adults prevent, detect, and report Medicare fraud, waste, and abuse. Through education and support, SMP empowers beneficiaries to:

Identify suspicious billing and potential scams.
Protect personal and Medicare information.
Report errors or fraud to the appropriate authorities.

Staying informed helps protect not only your benefits, but also those of others in your community.

Contact NCSMP toll-free at 855-408-1212.