How to apply for Illinois SHIP — Senior Health Insurance Program (Medicare Counseling)

Who it's for

Illinois SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling on Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D drug plans, Medigap/supplements, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help. Trained volunteers help compare plans during Open Enrollment, resolve billing/appeals, and screen for benefits. Free to all Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Call the Senior HelpLine (1-800-252-8966) to reach a local SHIP counselor.

What you'll need

• Medicare card
• List of current medications (for Part D comparisons)
• Current insurance/plan information

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Illinois SHIP — Senior Health Insurance Program (Medicare Counseling). 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, list of current medications (for Part D comparisons), current insurance/plan information — 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.

Step by step

1. Gather your Medicare card, a list of your current medications, and any current insurance or plan information before your appointment.
2. Call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-252-8966 to reach a local Illinois SHIP counselor — or apply online if you prefer.
3. Tell the counselor what you need help with, such as comparing Part D drug plans during Open Enrollment, understanding Medicare Advantage, reviewing Medigap options, or resolving a billing issue.
4. Work with the counselor to compare plans, screen for Medicare Savings Programs (MSP), or apply for Extra Help with drug costs.
5. Ask the counselor any follow-up questions — SHIP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to all Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers with no income test.

What to expect: After you connect with a SHIP counselor, you will receive free, one-on-one guidance tailored to your situation. Counselors can help you compare plans, resolve billing or appeals issues, and screen you for programs like Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help. Because SHIP is a counseling service rather than a formal benefit application, there is no waiting period or approval process — help begins during your counseling session. SHIP counseling is available on an as-needed basis, so you can call back any time your Medicare needs change, especially during Open Enrollment when Part D plan comparisons are most valuable.

Renewals

as-needed