Greater Nashville Regional Council--State Health Insurance Assistance Program

The Tennessee State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a statewide program that provides free and objective counseling and assistance to persons with questions or problems regarding Medicare and other related health insurances. In Tennessee, SHIP operates through the state's nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability. These agencies offer a variety of services besides SHIP, all aimed at helping persons who are elderly and/or have disabilities to live better lives. Volunteers are key to the program's success. SHIP volunteers gain a rewarding volunteer opportunity through attending events, becoming trained to do one-on-one counseling, public speaking, data entry, and more. Counseling can include an analysis of insurance needs, side by side policy comparisons, help with filing claims or appeals, or filling out applications for low income assistance. No experience necessary. All training is done free of charge.