OpportunityTitle: STATE HEALTH INSURANCE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SHIP)
AdditionalInformationOnEligibility: This grant opportunity is open to existing CMS SHIP grantees only.
Description: Section 4360 of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 (OBRA) (Public Law 101-508, codified at 42 USC 1395 b-4) authorizes the Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services (CMS) to make grants to States and Territories to fund State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). This FY 2010 grant is a non-competitive continuation of the SHIP grant from the prior grant period. All States that meet the eligibility requirements, have satisfactory progress, and timely submit a complete application that meets the requirements set forth in this Program Announcement will be eligible to receive grants in this grant period contingent upon availability of funds. This Program Announcement provides States and Territories an opportunity to apply for non-competitive continuation funding under this grant program and to receive information concerning application procedures, general funding considerations, eligibility requirements, and criteria to be used in reviewing applications and awarding grants. The purpose of the SHIP Grants Program is to strengthen the capability of States to support a community-based, grassroots network of local SHIP offices that provide personalized counseling, education, and outreach to assist Medicare beneficiaries with their Medicare questions. Grant funds are to be used to support locally accessible counseling services to individual beneficiaries in coordination with CMS and community partners. Services provided by SHIPs are intended for Medicare beneficiaries who prefer or need information, counseling, and enrollment assistance beyond what they are able to receive on their own through the other CMS information channels, including1-800-MEDICARE and www.medicare.gov. Grant funds from CMS will enhance States&#146; efforts to support a network of local partners, programs, staff, and volunteers that will provide accurate and objective information to help beneficiaries understand and utilize their Medicare benefits, including Medicare preventive benefits. In FY 2010, SHIPs will support CMS efforts to increase awareness of quality of care and cost information and encourage beneficiaries to use information tools such as www.medicare.gov to help make informed health care decisions.In support of the SHIPs&#146; stated purpose and as outlined initially in the FY 2005 Grant Announcement and continued through this FY 2010 Grant Announcement, CMS requires States to use SHIP grant funding to pursue four specific program objectives and monitors and awards States&#146; performance in achieving those objectives.
GrantorContactEmailDescription: Mary.Greene@cms.hhs.gov
GrantorContactText: Mary Beth Greene &lt;br/&gt;Grants Management Specialist &lt;br/&gt;