Primaris Press Release
| For immediate release: April 14, 2008 |
Contact: Matt Heger Primaris Communications Department (800) 735-6776, Ext. 136 |
Grant to help Missourians get Medicare answers
DIFP announces 2008 funding for CLAIM
COLUMBIA, Mo.— To ensure Missourians have access to help with the federal Medicare program, the Missouri Department of Insurance, Financial Institutions & Professional Registration (DIF) has announced 2008 funding for the nonprofit CLAIM program.
As the official State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for Missouri, CLAIM provides local, personalized, and unbiased Medicare answers across the entire state through a network of volunteers and partner organizations.
DIFP announced that CLAIM will receive $769,422. CLAIM’s services are provided by Primaris, a Columbia, Mo.-based health care nonprofit.
“Medicare can be confusing. When Missourians have questions or hit a Medicare snag, CLAIM’s volunteers and partners help them out. This funding allows us to continue our mission to spread information and help untie Medicare knots,” said Carol Beahan, director of CLAIM.
“Missouri consumers need unbiased answers about Medicare from people who understand the program,” said Doug Ommen, Director. “CLAIM volunteers empower Medicare recipients to make educated decisions based on their specific health care needs.”
“State Health Insurance Assistance Programs fill an important role in providing information and support to people with Medicare in their communities across the nation,” said Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Acting Administrator Kerry Weems.
“In addition to helping answer beneficiaries’ questions about Medicare, this year’s funding should further the SHIPs’ efforts to help us reach those people who are most likely eligible for Medicare’s low-income subsidy and then help them apply for the extra help,” Weems said.
CLAIM is one of 54 SHIP programs across the country; one in each state and territory. In addition to funding, CMS provides the training and technical assistance. CLAIM used 2007 grant funding to expand its outreach in 29 counties. The program will continue to expand these services in 2008.
To request free Medicare assistance from the CLAIM program, or to apply to become a volunteer, visit www.missouriclaim.org or call (800) 390-3330.
#####