Senior Information & Assistance

Senior Information and Assistance Local Offices

General Eligibility Requirements for Selected Government Financial Benefits.

Eldercare Locator web site

Home and Community-Based Services

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services

Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program

Helpful links for Legal Assistance

Senior Legal Assistance

Making Health Care Decisions for Others

 

Public Guardianship

In lieu of a suitable guardian, the Secretary of the Department of Aging or the Director of a local Area Agency on Aging may be appointed as a public guardian for persons ages 65 and older who have been declared by the Courts to be incapable of making their own decisions.

Guardians may be required to determine appropriate living arrangements, oversee the provision of services or consent to medical treatment for persons under their guardianship.

For more information or to speak with a Public Guardian in your area, you may contact any of the Local Area Agencies on Aging throughout Maryland.

How may we help you? Click on any of the links below.

"A Guide to Adult Guardianship and Guardianship Alternatives in Maryland" Handbook

 

Report Elder Abuse

1-800-917-PREVENT
1-800-917-7383

Visit the Department of Human Resources website at:

http://www.dhr.state.md.us/oas/protect.htm

 

Long Term Care Ombudsman/Elder Abuse Prevention

The Maryland Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps residents in long term care facilities maintain their legal rights, control over their own lives, and personal dignity. Long term care facilities include nursing homes and assisted living communities.

Major Responsibilities of the Ombudsman Program

  • Receives and resolves complaints made by or for residents of long term care facilities.
  • Educates consumers and long term care providers about residents’ rights and good care practices.
  • Promotes community involvement through volunteer opportunities.
  • Provides information to the public on nursing homes and other long term care facilities and services, residents’ rights, and legislative and policy issues.

The Ombudsman Program is authorized by the Older Americans Act and Maryland law. In Maryland, Federal, State and local governments fund program operations in 19 regional offices covering all of Maryland’s 23 counties and Baltimore City. Ombudsman Program Coordinators act as advocates for residents. In many jurisdictions, they also recruit, train and supervise volunteers who carry out the goals of the program.

Anyone may contact the Ombudsman

The Ombudsman is required to keep any information provided confidential.

There is absolutely no charge for the services of the Ombudsman program.

The State and local Ombudsman’s office can be reached Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

 

  • Allegany 301-777-5970
  • Anne Arundel 410-222-4464
  • Baltimore City 410-396-3144
  • Baltimore County 410-887-4200
  • Calvert 410-535-4606
  • Carroll 410-386-3800
  • Cecil 410-996-5295
  • Charles 301-934-0133
  • Frederick 301-694-1605
  • Garrett 301-334-9431
  • Harford 410-638-3025
  • Howard 410-313-6423
  • Montgomery 240-777-3369
  • Prince George’s 301-265-8458
  • Queen Anne’s 410-758-0848
  • St. Mary’s 301-475-4200 ext. 1050
  • Washington 301-790-0275
  • For Dorchester, Somerset, Wicomico, Worcester Counties, contact
  • MAC, Inc. 410-742-0505
  • For Caroline, Kent and Talbot Counties contact
  • Upper Shore Aging 410-778-6000
  • State Long Term Care
  • Ombudsman 410-767-1091
  • Statewide toll free 1-800-243-3425, extension 71091

 

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Senior Information and Assistance Local Offices

Senior Information and Assistance is a statewide program that provides a single point of entry into the aging network and offers convenient access to information on services and benefits for older persons, their families and caregivers. This includes, but is not limited to information on transportation, income and financial aid, senior citizens centers and clubs, daily meals, pharmacy assistance, housing, volunteer opportunities, and more!

There are 120 local Senior Information and Assistance offices throughout the state. The friendly, trained staff at each office can also provide assistance in determining need for services and make referrals to appropriate agencies and offer case management/coordination for persons requiring ongoing services.

For inquiries or assistance at any time, please contact the office nearest you or call the Maryland Department of Aging at 1-800-243-3425, weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

Click here for a listing of Senior Information and Assistance offices

 

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Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program

The Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) meets one of the most universal needs of Medicare beneficiaries, including those under 65 years of age — understanding their health insurance benefits, bills and rights. The Maryland SHIP program provides trained staff and volunteer counselors in all 24 counties. Counselors provide in-person and telephone assistance in the following general areas:

  • Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Program (Medicare Part D)
  • Medicare supplements (Medigap Plans)
  • Assistance for disabled Medicare beneficiaries (under age 65)
  • Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, preferred provider organizations)
  • Long Term Care Insurance
  • Medical Assistance programs
  • Assistance for low-income beneficiaries
  • Assistance with denials, appeals and grievances
  • Billing problems
  • Health care fraud and abuse
  • Volunteer counselor opportunities
  • Free community presentations and much, much more!

The Maryland Department of Aging receives funding for this program from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the State of Maryland and local governments. SHIP counseling services are confidential and free of charge.

Maryland Senior Medicare Patrol

Most SHIP offices are open Monday through Friday during normal business hours.

Contact a local SHIP Office:

  • Allegany 301-777-5970 ext. 110
  • Anne Arundel 410-222-4464
  • Baltimore City 410-396-2273
  • Baltimore County 410-887-2059
  • Calvert 301-855-1170 & 410-535-4606
  • Caroline 410-479-2535
  • Carroll 410-386-3806 & 1-888-302-8978
  • Cecil 410-996-8169
  • Charles 301-934-0118 & 301-870-3388 ext 5118
  • Dorchester 410-376-3662 ext. 106
  • Frederick 301-600-3522
  • Garrett 301-334-9431 & 1-888-877-8403
  • Harford 410-638-3025
  • Howard 410-313-7392
  • Kent 410-778-2564
  • Montgomery 301-590-2819
  • Prince George's 301-265-8471 & 301-265-8450
  • Queen Anne's 410-758-0848 ext.2724
  • Somerset 410-742-0505 ext. 106
  • St. Mary's 301-475-4200 ext. 1064
  • Talbot 410-822-2869
  • Washington 301-790-0275 ext. 208
  • Wicomico 410-742-0505 ext. 106
  • Worcester 410-742-0505 ext. 106

 

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Senior Legal Assistance

Senior Legal Assistance provides legal advice, counseling and representation to older Marylanders. The Area Agencies on Aging contract with local attorneys for service. Priority is given to issues involving the following:

  • Income maintenance
  • Disability benefits
  • Health care
  • Protective services
  • Abuse
  • Institutionalization
  • Guardianship
  • Housing