Upper Cumberland SHIP

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Upper Cumberland SHIP This is the official page for the Upper Cumberland TN State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

10/09/2026

Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage? 🤔

One of the biggest Medicare decisions is choosing how you'll receive your Medicare-covered benefits. While people often have strong opinions about one option versus the other, the reality is that there isn't a single "best" choice for everyone.

The right coverage depends on your healthcare needs, budget, preferred doctors and hospitals, prescription medications, and what's available where you live.

This Venn diagram provides a simple overview of some key similarities and differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. It's a starting point for learning, not a complete comparison.

Need help understanding your options? SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to help you make an informed decision.

📌 Check the comments for resources that compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, plus information on how to connect with your local SHIP.

💊 Medicare Part D & Open Enrollment Events Coming to Your County! 💊Are your medication costs changing next year? Join us...
10/08/2026

💊 Medicare Part D & Open Enrollment Events Coming to Your County! 💊

Are your medication costs changing next year? Join us for free, impartial assistance comparing your Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans!

Important: Appointments are required to be seen at all in-person event locations. Appointments are available until the event reaches capacity.

Can't make it in person? Additional flexible counseling options are available! You can also complete your open enrollment counseling over the phone, virtually, or by mail.

Important Enrollment Windows:

Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15 – December 7 (Best time for Part D drug plan reviews.)

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31 (Those with Medicare Advantage plans can compare and switch options during this period.)

Big news for our community! Evelyne Kornreich, a dedicated Crossville resident and volunteer with the Upper Cumberland A...
10/05/2026

Big news for our community! Evelyne Kornreich, a dedicated Crossville resident and volunteer with the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging & Disability (UCAAAD), has been named the 2026 Outstanding Volunteer in Aging by the Southeastern Association of Area Agencies on Aging (SE4A).

To put the scale of this award into perspective, Evelyne was selected out of volunteer programs spanning nine southeastern states: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Over the past 15 years, Evelyne has provided hundreds of hours of service each year through the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP). In 2025 alone, she logged over 208 hours in one-on-one Medicare counseling, directly assisting more than 300 beneficiaries and families with navigating complex insurance plans, lowering prescription costs, and resolving billing issues. Her fluency in both English and French has also been vital in breaking down language barriers for local Medicare beneficiaries and their families.

Beyond Medicare counseling, Evelyne leads education workshops, mentors fellow volunteers, and gives back through the Public Guardianship Program, Fairfield Glade Resident Services, the Neighborhood Watch Committee, and local arts initiatives.

Please join us in celebrating Evelyne for this outstanding regional honor and thanking her for 15 years of dedicated service to the Upper Cumberland!

10/03/2026

Call the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program 1-877-801-0044

10/03/2026

Choosing a Medigap plan isn't just about finding the lowest premium. It's about understanding what coverage you get, what costs you may still be responsible for, and how plans compare.

Did you know that the same Medigap plan letter offers the same benefits regardless of the company selling it, but premiums can vary? That's why shopping around matters.

Use this infographic as a starting point, and remember that your local SHIP can provide unbiased Medicare counseling to help you explore your options.

❓What factors are most important to you when comparing Medigap plans: monthly premium, provider flexibility, predictable costs, or something else?

09/29/2026

🚩 Not all Medicare marketing follows the rules.

Before enrolling, know the warning signs of misleading marketing and where to report concerns.

Learn more and find help with your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program! (links below!)

This is your reminder that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15!Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing trusted Me...
09/29/2026

This is your reminder that Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15!

Over the coming weeks, we'll be sharing trusted Medicare information and helpful resources to support beneficiaries and caregivers.
Tennessee SHIP 1-877-801-0044

Follow along and get ready to:
✔ Compare options
✔ Ask questions
✔ Choose with confidence

Understanding your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) can be done in four steps. Read the definitions. Check the notes sectio...
09/24/2026

Understanding your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN) can be done in four steps. Read the definitions. Check the notes section for payment decisions.

Appeal if the service wasn't
covered and it should have been. Get help with anything you aren't sure of.

09/23/2026

The 2027 Medicare & You handbook is now available online!

Here are a few highlighted Medicare updates for 2027:

✅ Telehealth flexibilities extended through 2027
✅ New Medicare.gov login options for added security
✅Medicare-connected health apps that can help personalize your health experience
✅ Expanded access to certain GLP-1 weight-loss medications for eligible beneficiaries
✅ Enhanced fraud prevention efforts
✅ New investments to improve access to care in rural communities

Download the handbook at www.medicare.gov/medicare-and-you

Address

1104 England Drive
Cookeville, TN
38501

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19314324150

Website

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