State of TN Budget Proposal for Grant Year 2025-2026 - Tennessee’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (TN SHIP) is funded by the Administration on Community Living (ACL) housed in the State Unit on Aging within the Department of Disability and Aging (DDA). The program provides comprehensive Medicare counseling, covering a multitude of topics. These include, but are not limited to, the Parts of Medicare, Medicare supplemental coverage, prescription drug coverage options through Medicare Part D or Advantage plans, and assistance programs available for low-income beneficiaries. Traditionally, DDA has partnered with one or more of the nine Area Agencies on Aging and Disability (AAAD) across Tennessee to deliver services to Medicare beneficiaries in all 95 counties. This collaboration aims to establish a community-based, localized network of regional SHIP offices and counseling sites, offering personalized counseling, education, and outreach to support the program’s mission and vision. DDA manages the oversight and administration of the grant, monitors the program on an annual basis and provides technical assistance to each of the regional offices as needed. There are three full time positions that are dedicated to this program within the state office. The Aging Program Director for TN SHIP/MIPPA, oversees the operation of the program, to include grant writing, monitoring budgets and spending, and updating or writing policies while providing assistance to the regional offices and acting as the liaison for Federal and State agencies. The State Program Development and Outreach Coordinator determines annual goals and assists the monitoring team with the annual review for each of the regional programs to ensure they are striving for contracted goals and following State and Federal policies. The Statewide Volunteer Coordinator oversees management for all regional volunteer programs across Tennessee providing initial and continuing education, program updates, and organizing the Annual Statewide Volunteer Conference and monthly volunteer training webinar series.
