In 2023, the Massachusetts SHIP (SHINE) program helped 2,610 Medicare Beneficiaries save $8,779,319.94 by comparing and enrolling into Medicare Part D prescription insurance plans. Medicare plans change every year. The plans change the monthly premium amount, the annual deductible amount (if applicable), the medications covered, the cost of the medications, and the rules about accessing the medications. It is important to shop and compare plans to ensure the best cost and coverage for the medications you need.

To learn how to compare Medicare plans or for help making the comparison, contact the SHIP (SHINE) Office in Massachusetts at 1-800-2434636 for an appointment in-person or by phone.

An example of cost savings: A beneficiary had an insulin that was no longer being covered on their plan:

*Lantus is no longer covered on their original plan. The SHINE counselor found a plan that covered it. Their original plan was going to cost them a total of $671,419.85 for the year, and the new plan that the SHINE counselor found, will cost the beneficiary $973.90 for the year!!

Another example:

A Medicare beneficiary was going to be paying close to $100 per month for their monthly premium, and approximately $1,455.12 for the year between the monthly premium and their prescription drug costs.  A SHINE counselor met with the beneficiary and found a plan with significantly lower monthly premium and their approximate total for their year (total premium and prescription drug costs), will now be $124.32! That is a $1,330.80 savings to the Medicare Beneficiary!!