State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers. A trained SHIP staff member or volunteer can answer your questions and explain your Medicare coverage options. They can also help you compare different plans.

Whether you’re enrolling in Medicare for the first time, doing a yearly coverage check, or dealing with a billing issue, SHIP counselors can help make Medicare easier to understand.

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPS) At a Glance

What does a SHIP counselor do?

Below are four important things to know about SHIPs and the help they provide:

1. SHIP counselors can offer personalized assistance with your Medicare coverage
Counselors provide one-on-one assistance to help you:

• Review your health and/or prescription drug options
• Learn about assistance programs that could help with your out-of-pocket Medicare costs
• Understand Medicare basics, including eligibility guidelines
• Navigate Medicare coverage and payment
• Ensure your rights are protected under Medicare

“Medicare can be hard to navigate, especially when you’re trying to compare plans or understand what you’ll pay,” said Ryan Ramsey, Associate Director of Health Care and Benefits at NCOA. “A SHIP counselor will walk you through your options and help you make a decision based on your health needs and budget, not on what an insurance company wants to sell you.”

2. SHIP services are offered at no cost to you
SHIP information and assistance is completely free and will never cost you a penny. SHIPs nationally are funded in part by the Administration for Community Living, Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling.

3. SHIP counselors are not selling anything
SHIP counselors are highly trained and certified to provide free, in-depth, unbiased, one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. They are not selling Medicare insurance plans and do not offer enrollment services.

4. No matter where you are in the U.S., there is a SHIP for you
SHIPs are available to you in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, Washington, D.C., and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit the SHIP website to find one near you or call the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center toll-free at 1-877-839-2675.

What Medicare questions can SHIP answer?

Your SHIP counselor will help you weigh all the factors to consider in choosing a Medicare plan. They can help you answer:

• Will this plan cover the services I need to stay healthy?
• What will my Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs look like?
• How will Medicare work with my existing health or drug plan?
• What will my prescription drugs cost under the plan?
• Will I have a choice of providers, or do I have to stick with providers and facilities from a network?
• Will this plan cover me while traveling?

Learn more about SHIPs and find your local program.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What is a State Health Insurance Assistance Program?

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling. Trained SHIP volunteers can explain Medicare coverage, help you compare plans, answer questions about costs, and help with enrollment, billing problems, appeals, and applications for financial assistance. SHIPs are not connected to insurance companies and don’t sell Medicare plans.

Who can use SHIP services?

SHIP services are available to adults who have Medicare or are preparing to enroll. Family members, caregivers, and others helping someone with Medicare can also contact SHIP for guidance. You don’t need to meet an income requirement to receive free SHIP counseling.

Do SHIPs sell or recommend Medicare plans?

No. SHIP counselors aren’t connected to insurance companies and don’t sell Medicare plans. SHIP counseling is 100% unbiased and not tied to any specific Medicare plan or product. You can be sure you’re receiving impartial advice that’s focused on your needs.