MI Options Program
MI Options is a program that empowers and provides enhanced information to help individuals make informed decisions and exercise control over long-term care needs by incorporating their personal goals and preferences. The program also helps answer questions about Medicare benefits, supplemental insurance, prescription drug plans, and more.
Both State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) and Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC) offer no cost, unbiased services to any adult as well as their family members and caregivers who support them regardless of income, assets or disability status.
A trained expert can help navigate what kind of care a Michigan resident or their loved one might need as they age, what it will cost, and how to stay at home and maintain independence.
When MI Options can help
- You have noticed your aging parent, spouse, or other loved one needs more support, and you are not sure where to start.
- You or your loved one needs help with daily activities like dressing, grooming, or managing the home.
- You or your loved one has had a new diagnosis or hospitalization that affects care needs.
- You or your loved one needs help understanding Medicare benefits, coverage options, and costs.
- You or your loved one needs help applying for benefits that pay for Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
Learn more
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Medicare Counseling Includes:
- Medicare enrollment and plan changes.
- Discussion on cost savings options, like the Medicare Savings Program and the Low-income subsidy, also known as Extra Help.
- Prescription drug coverage, such as comparing and selecting Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.
- Help navigating medical billing and coverage questions.
- Explanation of Benefits.
Medicare Counseling services are open to any Medicare beneficiary, family member or caregiver who supports them, regardless of income, assets or disability status.
Person-Centered Options Counseling (PCOC) Includes:
- Exploring the spectrum of long-term care and support options for adults, including home-and community-based services, such as; preparing meals, bathing, medication management and more.
- Help navigating next steps after a major life event, such as; a new medical diagnosis, hospital or rehabilitation discharge, or the loss of a spouse or caregiver.
- Assistance building actionable steps for pursuing options that respect clients’ preferences and values.
Person-Centered Options Counseling services are available to any adult, their family members and caregivers who support them, regardless of income, assets or disability status.
With the right foundation from MI Options, individuals can look to the future with confidence and peace of mind.
Individuals who would like to schedule an appointment can call
Statewide: 1-800-803-7174
State hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Local: 231-947-8920
Local Hours Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.
This project has been made possible through a grant awarded to Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Michigan
by NEMCSA Region 9 AAA and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.
This program is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $72,500 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS or the U.S. Government.