By working with various organizations who share a common goal—bringing information, better benefits, and more health plan options to people with Medicare, thereby improving their health and wellness—WV SHIP is able to extend its reach and impact.
We are pleased to work closely with the following agencies to leverage all of our resources and to provide comprehensive assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families:
West Virginia Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The mission of the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) of WV is to educate and raise awareness of older adults to the possibilities of fraud, waste, and abuse. WV SHIP and SMP work together to provide training throughout the year to all SHIP counselors.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services, SHIP’s funding agency, provides training and updates to all WV SHIP counselors.
West Virginia Aging and Disability Resource Centers
The Aging and Disability Resource Centers(ADRCs) are professionally staffed offices that assist seniors and persons with disabilities to navigate the state’s long-term care system. WV SHIP partners with the ADRCs in West Virginia by providing funding to staff a SHIP coordinator in each region.
Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages the nation's social insurance program (retirement, survivors and disability insurance programs). The agency's responsibilities include assigning Social Security numbers to U.S. citizens, maintaining earnings records for workers under their Social Security numbers, and administering the Supplemental Security Income program for the aged, blind and disabled. WV SHIP partners with the Charleston SSA office to help seniors with their Medicare Part D (prescription program) needs. The WV SHIP State Director and the SSA Pubic Education Specialist partner for Medicare presentations to various groups.
West Virginia County Aging Providers (Senior Centers)
WV SHIP partners with the county aging providers (senior centers) to provide Medicare assistance through SHIP counselors in all of West Virginia’s 55 counties.
West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources
The Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) administers social programs that benefit the citizens of West Virginia. WV SHIP partners with DHHR to provide information to Medicare beneficiaries about the Medicare Savings Programs. WV SHIP also works closely with the Buy-In Unit of DHHR to assist our beneficiaries who receive both Medicare and Medicaid to receive their medications in a timely manner.
West Virginia Insurance Commission
WV SHIP partners with the Insurance Commission to provide information on the Medicare Supplement Plans offered in WV.
West Virginia Health Care Association
The mission of the Health Care Association (HCA) is to enhance quality long-term health care through education, advocacy relations, professional development, and innovation. WV SHIP partners with the HCA to provide education about Medicare services in long-term care settings.
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid
West Virginia Senior Legal Aid (WVSLA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free civil legal services and counsel to senior West Virginians age 60 and older. WV SHIP partners with WVSLA by providing referrals. The WVSLA Director regularly provides training to SHIP counselors on legal issues relating to Medicare.