State Aging Agency
This agency has a wide range of services and referrals for seniors.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs
http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/
850-414-2000
Local Area Aging Agencies can be found at the contacts above, or by visiting www.eldercare.gov or calling 800-677-1116.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP offers free, one-on-one, local counseling to people with Medicare and their families.
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders
http://www.FloridaShine.org/
800-963-5337
Local SHIP counselors can be found at the contact above, or by calling 800-677-1116, or visiting www.shiptalk.org or www.eldercare.gov.
State Long-Term Care Ombudsman
The statewide ombudsman program investigates and resolves complaints of older individuals in nursing and board and care homes, including assisted living facilities, and advocates to protect residents’ rights and ensure quality care.
Department of Elder Affairs
http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/index.php
888-831-0404
State Insurance Commissioner
This office has information about insurance plans and costs. They often have special resources for seniors.
Office of Insurance Regulation
http://www.floir.com/
850-413-3140
State Medicaid Office
This office manages the state’s Medicaid program. They also handle Medicaid enrollment.
Florida Medicaid
http://www.fdhc.state.fl.us/Medicaid/
888-419-3456
State Prescription Assistance Program
A program to help you reduce the cost of your prescription drugs
Sunshine For Seniors
http://www.floridashine.org/docs/PrescriptionAsst.pdf
800-963-5337
Florida Discount Drug Card
http://www.floridashine.org/docs/flaDiscountcardFctsht.pdf
800-963-5337
State Protection & Advocacy (P&A) Agency
This agency protects the legal rights of people with disabilities, including people on Medicaid.
Advocacy Center for Persons with Disabilities Inc.
http://www.advocacycenter.org/
800-342-0823
Access to Benefits Coalition Members
Coalition members educate and enroll people in different prescription drug programs, including Medicare. These independent local groups belong to a national network. The agencies below serve only the areas listed.
Alliance for Aging, Inc./Miami-Dade/Monroe Access to Benefits Coalition
305-670-6500
Dade and Monroe Counties
Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, Inc.
888-688-1211 or 561-688-1211
Palm Beach County
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas, Inc./Access to Benefits Coalition
800-861-8111
Pasco County
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco Pinellas, Inc./Access to Benefits Coalition
727-217-8111
Pinellas County
West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, Inc./ Access to Benefits Coalition
813-740-3888
Hillsborough County
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regional Office Outreach Campaign Manager
CMS Regional Offices play a key role in conducting outreach for the new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit. Each office has a team dedicated to helping raise awareness and educate about the new coverage. Contact the regional campaign manager to learn more about local outreach events, schedule an event in your area or request outreach materials.
Region IV - Atlanta
Campaign Manager: Mary Kay Justis
404-562-7417
