What is MMAP?
The Michigan Medicare/Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is a program for Medicare beneficiaries and their families when they need help understanding Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, enrollment and coverage, medical bills, Medicare supplemental and long term care insurance. MMAP counselors provide information about benefits and help people solve problems with health benefit programs and related insurance products.

Who are MMAP Counselors?
MMAP Counselors are concerned individuals who receive special training in health insurance counseling issues. They are specially trained in Medicare and Medicaid law and regulations, and related insurance products. They are not connected with any insurance company, nor are they licensed to sell insurance. Their purpose is to serve you in an objective and confidential manner. They will also advocate on you behalf when problems arise.

What can MMAP help me with?

• Understanding doctor and hospital bills and Explanation of Your Medicare Benefits (EOMB) forms;
• Help with Medicare insurance enrollment, claims and appeals;
• Enrollment in Medicaid, Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) programs and assistance with appeals and post-enrollment problems;
• Review of Medicare supplemental insurance needs, comparison of policies and assistance getting claims honored and/or refunds;
• Assist Medicare beneficiaries in comparing new managed care Medicare options (like HMOs) against traditional Medicare benefits.
• Exploring long term care insurance needs and policies and assistance getting claims honored and/or refunds.

How much does it cost?
There is no cost to you. MMAP counselors give their time and expertise free of charge. The federal Health Care Financing Administration, which administers the Medicare program, has provided funding to train and support MMAP Counselors...

What if I am homebound?
MMAP Counselors are happy to conduct counseling sessions in your home if you are homebound or transportation is not available to you.

How can I become a MMAP Counselor?
If you are a person who likes to solve puzzles, enjoys meeting and working with people and someone who faces barriers and obstacles with courage, determination and good humor, then you are the kind of person we need. Volunteers are trained, certified and supported. MMAP Counselors are expected to educate, inform, identify problems, design solutions and perform follow-up to ensure that the best possible counseling service and experience with each of their clients has occurred. Counselors receive three days of intensive training, a comprehensive MMAP manual, regular updates and follow-up training. MMAP volunteers must be willing to commit to at least one year of service and serve at least 12 hours per month. Call the toll free number below to find out when the next training will be held.

Future Services
Special services currently in development include special MMAP counselors who will serve Medicare beneficiaries who are: Spanish speaking, Arab-American and Chaldean, vision impaired, hearing impaired or HIV positive.