MI Options
Free, unbiased guidance to help you understand long-term services and supports (LTSS)
Planning for long-term services and supports can feel complicated. MI Options provides free, unbiased information to help you understand what care you or a loved one may need as you age, what services may cost, and how to support independence at home or in the community.
Our trained counselors offer information and assistance so you can make informed decisions and stay in control of your choices.
To schedule an appointment or request a referral:
📞 1-800-803-7174 or dial 2-1-1
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
** formerly MMAP - Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program
What Is SHIP?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is Michigan’s free, unbiased service that helps Medicare beneficiaries, caregivers, and families understand their health insurance options. SHIP counselors provide confidential, one-on-one guidance and do not sell or endorse any insurance products.
To schedule an appointment or request a referral:
📞 1-800-803-7174 or dial 2-1-1
Who SHIP Helps
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for:
● People age 65 or older
● Certain younger adults with qualifying disabilities
● People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), including those needing dialysis or a transplant
SHIP counselors assist all Medicare beneficiaries as well as caregivers seeking support on someone’s behalf.
What SHIP Counselors Can Help You With
SHIP provides individualized, unbiased assistance with topics including:
● Understanding Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D
● Comparing and enrolling in Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans
● Reviewing doctor bills, hospital bills, and Medicare Summary Notices
● Clarifying Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment, coverage, claims, and appeals
● Comparing Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and reviewing claims or refund issues
● Exploring long-term care financing options, including long-term care insurance
● Identifying prescription drug assistance resources
● Assistance in identifying and reporting Medicare fraud, abuse, or scams
● Education on Medicare Preventive Services, such as annual wellness visits, vaccines, and screenings
Cost-Saving Programs SHIP Can Help You Apply For
● Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy / LIS) to lower prescription drug costs
● Medicare Savings Programs to help pay Medicare Part B premiums and other expenses
Program Integrity & Funding
Michigan’s SHIP is federally funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) via the MI Options Program. Counselors are independent, certified, and trained to provide unbiased information without any affiliation to insurance companies.
Resources
Social Security Administration
Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC)
What Is Person-Centered Options Counseling?
Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC) is a voluntary, person-directed process that helps individuals:
● Understand their needs, goals, and preferences
● Explore available long-term services and supports
● Review options in a clear and unbiased way
● Receive assistance connecting to services, programs, or resources
● Revisit and update their plan as their needs change
PCOC services are provided at no cost and can be offered in the setting that works best for the individual.
Who Can Use MI Options?
MI Options is available to any person seeking long-term services and supports, regardless of age, disability, income, or payer source. This includes:
● Older adults
● Adults with disabilities
● Veterans
● Caregivers seeking support for loved ones
● Anyone wanting to understand available resources
MI Options does not determine eligibility for benefits, and participation does not guarantee approval for services.
Programs and Services We Can Provide Information On:
MI Options counselors provide information, assistance, and navigation support for a wide range of long-term services and supports, including:
Caregiver Support
● Caregiver education, training, and support
● Adult day programs
● Memory programs
● Respite options
Financial, Legal, and Insurance Assistance
● Fiscal intermediary/financial management information
● Medicaid benefits information
● Medicare benefits information
● Legal assistance resources
Health & Medical Services
● Help with activities of daily living
● Care coordination and navigation
● Community living supports
● Dental care
● End-of-life care information
● Health screenings
● Hearing services
● Medication management
● Medical equipment, supplies, and assistive technology
● Nursing services
● Personal emergency response systems
● Respiratory care
● Substance use disorder services
● Vision services
Home Maintenance & Improvement
● Chore services
● Home modifications
● Home repair resources
Nutrition & Meal Services
● Congregate/communal meals
● Home-delivered meals
● Nutritional counseling
Transportation Services
● Non-emergent medical transportation
● Non-medical transportation options
Medicare Counseling (SHIP Partnership)
MI Options partners with the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to ensure individuals have access to free, unbiased Medicare and Medicaid counseling.
Click here to learn more
Contact MI Options
Local counselors serve all 15 Upper Peninsula counties and can meet in the location that works best for you.
📞 1-800-803-7174 or dial 2-1-1
State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Person-Centered Options Counseling
