Do you ever wonder how you will pay your medical expenses? Do you need more money for things like prescription drugs, electricity bills or food? If you answered "yes" to either of these questions and you are a person with Medicare, help may be available for you.

Medicare Savings Programs assist low-income Medicare beneficiaries with out-of-pocket expenses associated with Medicare. The Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program-or SHIIP-can help beneficiaries understand and apply for the financial help.

"This assistance is available to many North Carolinians who aren't even aware of it," said Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin. "SHIIP can help people with Medicare understand what they may be qualified to receive."

SHIIP has volunteers in all 100 counties in North Carolina who offer one-on-one counseling and provide free, unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage and health plan options and long-term care insurance through its toll-free number. To contact SHIIP, call 855-408-1212 or visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance website.