Medicare Part D

Chris Murphy, a social worker, coordinates the Senior Medicare Patrol and State Health Insurance Program. Chris aids senior citizens, disabled adults and low-income families in accessing federal and state health care and pharmaceutical assistance programs. He has a Masters in Social Work from Rhode Island College and has worked for community action programs throughout the state for more than a decade.

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps individuals with Medicare and Medicaid get the most out of their healthcare. Westbay SHIP provides prescription drug and health care coverage counseling to individuals and families, helping them navigate the health care maze.

There is also assistance for paying your Medicare Part B premium through the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary program for income eligible individuals.

SMP

Westbay Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) addresses questions regarding Medicare and Medicaid billing. Westbay SMP encourages Medicare members to identify and report Medicare/Medicaid billing errors and to identify potentially fraudulent activity. Examples of fraud and abuse: billing for services not provided; incorrectly reporting diagnosis, procedures, medications, or equipment to get a higher payment; billing for brand-name prescriptions when generic drugs were provided.

Why Should You Care about fraud? Healthcare error, fraud, and abuse affect everyone. They contribute to the rising costs of healthcare and, in some instances, diminish the quality of care that is provided.


SHIP

SHIP provides one-on-one counseling for clients to better understand their health insurance coverage benefits (including Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans) and navigate the health care maze. SHIP empowers clients to make informed decisions about health insurance and long-term care options.

SHIP will also assist with applying for extra help for prescriptions for individuals with limited income and resources. If you qualify for extra help, Medicare will pay for almost all of your prescription costs and possibly your premiums as well.

For information about these programs or to schedule a consultation, please call or email, Chris Murphy, SMP/SHIP Coordinator, at 401-732-4666 x151 or cmurphy@westbaycap.org.