Plain-English guides to health, Medicare and money after 60

Bonivitas
Medicare

Unbiased Medicare Help: How Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program Works

Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program that offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Here is what SHIP counselors do and how to find yours.

By the Bonivitas editorial team

Updated

2-minute read

Counselor holding the hands of a smiling older couple across a table with papers
SHIP counselors do not sell insurance, so their only job is to help you understand your options. Photo: Pexels

Key takeaways

  • State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, or SHIPs, provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling.
  • SHIP counselors do not sell insurance or earn commissions.
  • They can help compare plans, apply for programs that lower costs and handle billing problems or appeals.
  • Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org or by calling 877-839-2675.

Medicare decisions can be confusing, and much of the help on offer comes from people who earn money when you choose a plan. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs, known as SHIPs, are different. They give free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling to people with Medicare, their families and caregivers.

Some states use a different name for their SHIP, such as HICAP in California, SHINE in Massachusetts or SHIBA in Washington, but the service is the same.

What SHIP counselors can help with

  • Understanding how Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D fit together.
  • Comparing plans during open enrollment using your own drugs and doctors.
  • Deciding when to sign up for Medicare, especially if you are still working.
  • Applying for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid.
  • Sorting out billing problems and filing appeals.
  • Understanding letters and notices from Medicare or your plan.

Why their help is unbiased

SHIP counselors are trained staff and volunteers. They are funded by federal grants and state programs, and they do not sell insurance or receive commissions. Their goal is to help you understand your options so you can choose what fits you.

How to find your SHIP

  • Visit shiphelp.org and choose your state.
  • Call the national SHIP line at 877-839-2675.
  • Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for your state's SHIP number.
  • Ask your local Area Agency on Aging or senior center.

Many SHIPs offer appointments by phone, by video and in person at libraries, senior centers and community events.

How to prepare for a session

Bring or have ready:

  • Your Medicare card and any plan cards.
  • A list of your prescription drugs with doses.
  • The names of your doctors, hospitals and pharmacy.
  • Recent letters from Medicare, Social Security or your plan.
  • A rough idea of your monthly income and savings, if you want to check for programs that lower costs.

Plan ahead in the fall

SHIPs are busiest during open enrollment, from October 15 to December 7. Call early to get an appointment. Read our open enrollment checklist to get ready.

Other free help

  • Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): helps you spot and report Medicare fraud, errors and abuse. Visit smpresource.org.
  • Eldercare Locator: connects you to local services for older adults at 1-800-677-1116 or eldercare.acl.gov.

Sources

We checked this guide against these sources. Figures change, so confirm current amounts with the source before you act.

Email this guide