INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE & SHIP | SERVICES

Your First Step Toward Support and Services

From questions to applications, we're here to guide you through the process.

Your place to start for

Information & Assistance & SHIP

The Information and Assistance Program is the first point of contact for older adults, persons with disabilities, their families and caregivers. We can help bridge the gap between needs and available services. Our trained resource specialists provide confidential answers to your questions and assist with completing applications for services and benefits.

Information and Assistance

  • Do you need support with essential needs like groceries or utility bills?

  • Do you need help applying for the Benefit Access Program or getting a Ride Free pass through the RTA?

  • Would you like to explore other programs or benefits you might be eligible for?

Answered yes to any of these questions? Begin here to discover the ways we can assist you.

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

  • Need help understanding Medicare, Medicaid, or other health insurance options?

  • Are you approaching retirement or about to turn 65?

  • Wondering if your income level qualifies you for programs that can reduce your health care expenses?

If you said yes to any of the questions above, this is a great place to start learning how we can support you.

Still unsure?

If you’re feeling uncertain or have more questions, our Information and Assistance team is just a click, or phone call, away and ready to support you.

Information and Assistance

Available Locations

We offer in-person appointments at our Freeport office and at our outreach sites throughout Jo Daviess County. To schedule an appointment at any of our locations, please call us at 815-235-9777. We’re here to help! 

Select a Jo Daviess location below to view more location information.

Warren – 1st Thursday of each month

Warren Community Building, 110 W. Main St.

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Hanover – 2nd Thursday

Hanover Township Park District, 500 Fillmore St.

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Stockton – 3rd Thursday

Stockton Township Library, 140 W. Benton Ave.

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Galena – 4th Thursday

West Galena Township, 607 Gear St.

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These services include, but are not limited to:

  • Benefit Access Program (License plate discount)
  • Caregiver resources
  • General aging questions
  • Housing information
  • Medicaid questions
  • Notary services
  • Property tax exemptions
  • Utility assistance programs
  • Weatherization programs
  • And much more!

Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

Free, confidential help from trained counselors — no sales, no pressure, just answers

SHIP (Senior Health Insurance Program) is a free program offered by the state of Illinois and administered by the Senior Resource Center. Our trained health insurance counselors are here to assist you, as a Medicare beneficiary, and answer any questions your caregivers may have. SHIP is completely independent and not affiliated with any insurance company; our counselors do not sell or solicit insurance.

SHIP provides accurate, unbiased counseling, assistance, and advocacy on Medicare-related issues and products, ensuring you have the information you need to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.
Counseling is typically provided in a confidential one-on-one session, either in our office or by phone.

We understand that Medicare can be complex, and our goal is to guide you through the process, helping you make informed decisions.

For SHIP-related questions, call the Senior Resource Center at 815-235-9777.

The mission of SHIP is to help you understand:
  • Medicare
  • Medicare Supplement Insurance
  • Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs, PPOs, PFFs)
  • Medicare prescriptions plans including Extra Help
  • Medicaid Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, and Q1)

Looking for answers? Check out these helpful links.

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