State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Plain English
A SHIP is your state's free Medicare counseling program. Trained counselors give one-on-one, unbiased help: comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap, choosing a drug plan, understanding costs, and applying for help like Extra Help. They don't sell insurance, so there's no sales pitch. Each state has one.
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Definition
A State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a free, state-based program that offers one-on-one, unbiased counseling to people with Medicare and their families. Trained counselors and volunteers help people compare Medicare options, understand costs and apply for programs such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. SHIPs don't sell insurance.
Why It Matters
Medicare choices are complex and many sources are selling something. A SHIP is a neutral place to check your options, especially before your Medigap open enrollment ends or each fall during Open Enrollment.
Real-World Example
Imagine someone overwhelmed by Medicare Advantage mailers before turning 65. A SHIP counselor helps them list their doctors and drugs, compare a Medigap plan with two Medicare Advantage plans, and check whether they qualify for Extra Help, at no cost.
Common Misconceptions
- SHIPs are run by insurers. They're state programs that don't sell insurance.
- SHIP help costs money. It's free.
- SHIPs only help people with low income. They help anyone with Medicare.
Key Takeaways
- SHIPs offer free, one-on-one, unbiased Medicare counseling.
- Counselors help compare plans and costs.
- Medicare.gov suggests contacting your local SHIP for free help applying for Extra Help.
- Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a SHIP?
A State Health Insurance Assistance Program: free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling in your state.
Is SHIP counseling really free?
Yes. SHIPs are public programs and don't sell insurance.
How do I find my local SHIP?
Visit shiphelp.org or call the number on Medicare.gov's contacts page.
Related Terms
Related Coverages
- Medicare
Related Scenarios
Explore the rest of the Medicare category.
Browse Medicare terms →Sources
The factual claims on this page were checked against these sources. Rules and figures change, so check the source itself if you need to confirm the current version.
- shiphelp.orgGet Medicare Help from Your Local SHIP Program · SHIP Technical Assistance Center
- medicare.govHelp with drug costs (Extra Help) · Medicare.gov (U.S. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Educational information, not advice: This page is for general education only, not legal, financial, or insurance advice. Actual coverage, discounts, and requirements depend on your policy’s wording, your insurer, and the laws of your state. Confirm specifics with your own insurer or a licensed agent before making a decision. Insurpedia does not sell insurance and does not recommend specific insurers.