How to apply for SHIIP — Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (Medicare Counseling) in North Carolina

Who it's for

SHIIP is North Carolina's free Medicare counseling service, with counselors in all 100 counties. They help compare Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and long-term-care insurance, screen for help paying Medicare costs (Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs), and spot Medicare fraud. Counselors do not sell or endorse any plan. Call 1-855-408-1212.

What you'll need

• Medicare card
• Current insurance information
• A list of current medications (helpful for Part D comparisons)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about SHIIP — Seniors' Health Insurance Information 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, current insurance information, a list of current medications (helpful for Part D comparisons) — 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, current insurance information, and a list of your current medications before your counseling session.
2. Contact SHIIP by phone at 1-855-408-1212 or apply online to request a free counseling appointment with a local counselor in your county.
3. Meet with your SHIIP counselor to compare Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, or long-term-care insurance options based on your needs.
4. Ask your counselor to screen you for programs that help pay Medicare costs, such as Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.
5. Report any suspected Medicare fraud to your counselor, who can guide you on next steps.
6. Plan to reconnect with a SHIIP counselor each year to review your coverage and make sure your plan still fits your needs.

What to expect: After reaching out, a SHIIP counselor — available in all 100 North Carolina counties — will work with you at no cost and with no pressure to buy anything. Counselors are not licensed agents and do not sell or endorse any plan, so the guidance is completely unbiased. There is no income or asset test to qualify. Processing times for scheduling vary, so contact SHIIP directly for an estimate of appointment availability. Because Medicare plans change each year, it is a good idea to schedule a follow-up counseling session annually — especially during Medicare's Open Enrollment period — to make sure your coverage and any cost-savings programs still work in your favor.

Renewals

annual