Senior Aid Finder Guide
SHIP: Where to Get Free, Unbiased Medicare Counseling
Quick answer
This guide explains the practical steps, limits and questions that matter when reviewing Medicare. It is educational, not an eligibility decision. Use the official source in this guide for the final rule.
Medicare choices can be difficult to compare, especially when prescription coverage, provider networks and assistance programs overlap. State Health Insurance Assistance Programs—SHIPs—provide free, local Medicare counseling.
What makes SHIP different
SHIP counselors provide education and assistance rather than selling an insurance plan. They can help people understand Medicare options, billing questions, enrollment issues and programs that may lower costs.
When to contact SHIP
- You are approaching Medicare eligibility and do not understand enrollment periods.
- You want help comparing coverage choices.
- You received a confusing Medicare notice.
- You want to ask about Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs.
Prepare before the conversation
Write down your questions, medications and preferred doctors. If discussing a notice, have the notice available. Do not post Medicare numbers publicly or send them through Senior Aid Finder.
Official source
Verify this information with the administering agency ↗
Reviewed: August 27, 2026. Rules and amounts can change.
What to do next
- Read the eligibility details above and note anything that depends on your state or household.
- Open the official source and confirm the current rule before applying.
- Gather only the documents requested by the official agency.
- Keep a dated copy of notices, applications and decisions in case you need to follow up or appeal.
Editorial review: Senior Aid Finder Editorial Team · Last reviewed October 5, 2026. We update guides when official program rules materially change.