How to apply for State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Who it's for

SHIP provides free, unbiased, one-on-one Medicare counseling to anyone with Medicare and to their families and caregivers. A trained SHIP counselor — not a salesperson and not paid on commission — will sit down with you to compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, and Medigap policies, sort out enrollment deadlines and late-enrollment penalties, untangle a denied claim or an appeal, and check whether you qualify for cost-saving programs like the Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help. There is no income test and the service is always free. SHIP is run by the federal Administration for Community Living and delivered through a local office in every state — in California it is called HICAP, in Florida it is called SHINE — so the counselor knows both the national rules and the local plans available where you live.

What you'll need

• Medicare card (if already enrolled)
• A list of your current prescriptions (helpful when comparing Part D drug plans)
• Any plan letters, bills, or denial notices you want explained

Where to apply

What to say when you call

“Hello, I'm calling to ask about State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need medicare card (if already enrolled), a list of your current prescriptions (helpful when comparing part d drug plans), any plan letters, bills, or denial notices you want explained — is anything else required? What is the best next step?”

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Renewals

none (use it whenever you have a Medicare question or during Open Enrollment, Oct 15 – Dec 7)