Free Medicare counseling: your 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.
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 with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
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.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.