RALEIGH – North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced that the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) saved the state’s seniors $30 million last year.

 Many retirees and Medicare beneficiaries on a fixed income want to save money wherever they can. Each year, thousands of people contact the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) throughout the state to help them identify savings in their Medicare coverages.

 “These savings are valuable to older North Carolinians, many of whom are on a fixed income,” Commissioner Causey said. “Now they can use them to spend as they see fit."

Throughout the year, but particularly during the Medicare Open Enrollment period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, Medicare beneficiaries are urged to compare their current coverage for the Part D prescription drug plan to determine if their current plan is still the most appropriate for the coming year. Each year formularies, prices and programs change. Often, Medicare beneficiaries are unaware of the differences.

In 2022, SHIIP and its coordinating sites statewide assisted 52,482 consumers in saving on their healthcare. In addition, nearly 1,200 consumers received assistance applying for the Extra Help program.