Senior & Disabilities Services

Senior Information News

The Alaska SHIP office names a new Director

Jeanné Larson (left) welcomes Director Judith Bendersky.

Judith Bendersky has been named as the new Director of the Alaska SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Judith was introduced to Medicare and SHIP at the New SHIP Director's Training in Maryland this past January. In her prior position she was staff to the Governor's Council on Disabilities & Special Education for six years, focusing on the committees that were advisory on Special Education and Early intervention/Infant Learning services provided by the state to children with disabilities from birth to 22.  Before that Judith worked for RurALCAP and the Indian Health Service as a health educator. 

Judith is enjoying working with Jeanné Larson (left on photo) and looks forward to talking to and meeting all  52 volunteer counselors across Alaska.

She can be reached on her direct phone line in Anchorage at 269-3669. Or you may also call the toll free helpline (800-478-6065) and leave a message for Judith to return your call.

Advocates warn of scam to steal banking information

Seniors are being warned to beware of scammers offering a deal that is too good to be true. Click here to read the KTUU news story.

Jeanné Larson of Senior Information and the State Health Insurance Program sets the record straight for seniors getting Medicare benefits

To go the the KTVA I-Team investigation story, Fighting red tape to get your prescription drugs on time, click here.

If you have questions about your Medicare benefits, please contact the Senior Information Office at 1-800-478-6065 or 269-3680 in Anchorage.

SHIP/Medicare News

Enrollment for Medicare Part D plans ended Dec. 31. The next enrollment opening begins Nov. 15, 2008. If you have questions about existing benefits you can call 1-800-Medicare.

Current prescription drug plans are available for review on the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov.

For more information and a brief overview of Medicare prescription drug benefits, click here.

For an Associated Press Story on medical billing errors click here,
Medical-Bill Errors Increasingly Common (26kb)