SHIP Medicare Counselor Locator
Find free Medicare counseling through your state's SHIP program. Counselors do not sell insurance, and there is no charge.
SHIP provides free one-on-one Medicare counseling in every state. Counselors do not sell plans and earn no commission. Find your local program at shiphelp.org or call 1-877-839-2675.
A SHIP counselor will go through your own Medicare situation with you, in person or by phone, at no cost. Use the official locator below to reach your state's program.
Find Your Local SHIP Counselor
SHIP counselors don't sell insurance
Unlike calling an insurance agent or broker, who often works on commission and may represent specific companies, SHIP counselors are federally funded and do not sell any product. There is no cost and no income requirement.
SHIP National Technical Assistance Center
Call 1-877-839-2675 shiphelp.org →shiphelp.org has a full state-by-state directory. You can also email info@shiphelp.org.
What a SHIP counselor can help with
- Understanding Medicare Parts A/B/C/D and enrollment timing
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
- Applying for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
- Spotting Medicare fraud
- General Medicare questions, in person or by phone
Already used this site's Enrollment Period Finder, Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checker, or Extra Help Eligibility Calculator? A SHIP counselor can help you apply what those tools show, one-on-one and for free.
Why SHIP exists. Medicare choices are complicated, and most people who sell Medicare plans are paid according to which plan you pick. SHIP counselors are funded by the federal government and have no stake in your choice. Many are trained volunteers.
What a counselor can help with:
- when and how to enroll in Medicare, and how to avoid late penalties
- comparing Medicare Advantage, Medigap and Part D plans using your doctors and drug list
- applying for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help
- billing problems, denied claims and appeals
- recognizing and reporting Medicare fraud
Who can use it. Anyone eligible for Medicare, including people under 65 with disabilities, and their family members and caregivers. There is no income limit. SHIP operates in every state and in DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The program has a different name in some states, such as HICAP in California and SHINE in Florida.
What to bring to an appointment:
- your Medicare card and any plan cards
- a list of your prescriptions with doses
- the names of your doctors and preferred pharmacy
- your plan's Annual Notice of Change, and any letters or bills you have questions about
Appointments fill up during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, so call early. If you have already used our Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help calculators, a SHIP counselor can help you complete the applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SHIP?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It is a federally funded service that gives free one-on-one Medicare counseling in every state. Counselors do not sell anything.
Is SHIP counseling really free?
Yes. SHIP counselors are not insurance agents and do not sell any product.
Who can use SHIP?
Anyone eligible for Medicare, including people under 65 with disabilities, and their families and caregivers. There is no income requirement.
How do I find a SHIP counselor near me?
Go to shiphelp.org for a state-by-state directory, or call the SHIP National Technical Assistance Center at 1-877-839-2675.
What can a SHIP counselor help me with?
Understanding your Medicare options, comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, applying for Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help, and recognizing possible Medicare fraud.
Is SHIP the same as calling an insurance agent?
No. Insurance agents often work on commission and may represent particular companies. SHIP counselors have no financial interest in your choice and do not sell insurance.
This tool gives general information about the SHIP program and links to the official SHIP locator. For guidance on your own Medicare situation, contact your local SHIP counselor.