Free Medicare counseling: State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Trained, unbiased and free, and they don't sell anything.
Every state, plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the US Virgin Islands, has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIPs are funded by the federal government to give free, local, one-on-one Medicare counseling. Counselors don't sell insurance and don't earn commissions.
Many states give their SHIP its own name, such as HICAP in California or SHINE in Massachusetts. Our state pages list each program's name and phone number.
Reviewed by Joshua H. Pannell, Licensed Insurance Agent (SC license #400481) ·
What a SHIP counselor can help with
- Understanding your enrollment windows and whether you can delay Part B.
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans with your drug list.
- Understanding Medigap and your state's Medigap rules.
- Applying for Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help.
- Billing problems, claims and appeals.
- Spotting and reporting possible fraud.
How to get help
Find your state's SHIP on our Medicare by state pages or at shiphelp.org. Many offer phone appointments, in-person sessions and group talks. Demand peaks during fall Open Enrollment, so book early.
Other free sources
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- The Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov.
- Social Security, for enrollment, premiums and IRMAA.
- Your state Medicaid agency, for Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs.
Common questions
Yes. SHIPs are publicly funded and counselors don't sell insurance or earn commissions.
They can walk you through comparing and enrolling, for example on Medicare.gov, but they don't sell or recommend a specific company's product for pay.
Want help comparing your options?
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Currently we represent 41 organizations which offer 397 products in your area. You can always contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE for help with plan choices.