SENIOR HEALTH INSURANCE PROGRAM (S.H.I.P.)
Orland Township’s FREE Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) aids seniors in need of help with Medicare claims and statements, while also assisting with Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Coverage.
Counselors are trained and certified with the Illinois Department of Insurance. SHIP, sponsored by the Illinois Department on Aging, is a free counseling service for people with Medicare and their caregivers. This statewide service is available to people of all ages with Medicare.
- SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company.
- SHIP counselors do not sell or solicit any type of insurance.
- SHIP trains volunteer counselors throughout Illinois to provide seniors with one-on-one help with their insurance.
Reduced-Fee License Plate Stickers and Other Benefits for Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities
The state Department on Aging’s Benefit Access Program allows the Illinois Secretary of State’s office to provide reduced-fee license plate stickers for senior citizens and persons with disabilities who meet specific qualifications. Other benefits include the Seniors Free Transit Ride or the Persons with Disabilities Free Transit Ride.
An application must be submitted online. Paper applications are not available. Proof of income must be provided at the time of submission.
To qualify for the Benefit Access Program, the following requirements must be met:
Age
Must be 65 years of age or older by Dec. 31 of the current year; or
Must be 16 years of age or older and totally disabled before Jan. 1 of the current year.
Income Limits
$33,562 if filing an application for yourself only;
$44,533 if filing an application for yourself and your spouse; or
$55,500 if filing an application for yourself, your spouse and at least one Qualified Additional Resident.
Residency
You must live in Illinois at the time an application is filed.
Expiration of Benefits
Benefits are good for two years. The two-year period starts at the time you are approved for benefits.