Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is a free, one-on-one counseling service that answers questions about Medicare coverage and plan options. The service is available to anyone who is eligible for Medicare.
Despite its name, Medicare’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) has nothing to do with medical assistance you might need on a cruise. The phrase “assistance program” is also somewhat misleading since it’s also not a program to help pay for healthcare costs.
So, what exactly does SHIP do? Let’s learn more about what this program offers and how it can help you throughout your healthcare journey.
Medicare’s SHIP is a free counseling service for all your Medicare questions. SHIP provides you or your caretaker with access to one-on-one, unbiased advice from a trained volunteer well-versed in Medicare.
Background and mission
SHIP is a government-funded, free Medicare counseling program that started in 1990 as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. SHIPs provide local, unbiased information to Medicare-eligible individuals and their families.
In addition to one-on-one meetings, SHIPs hold in-person and online workshops and enrollment events. These include “Medicare Mondays,” which provide information to help you select coverage plans. Check with your local SHIP for a schedule of upcoming events.
Locations and other names
There are SHIPs in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Some SHIPs go by different names. For example, Missouri’s SHIP is known as CLAIM (Community Leaders Assisting the Insured of Missouri). In New York, SHIP is known as HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance).
SHIP counselors are highly trained volunteers who live in your local community.
SHIP counselors are unbiased. They do not work for insurance companies, and they do not profit from your enrollment decision. Their goal is to provide you with personalized and up-to-date information about all aspects of Medicare.
It’s no secret that Medicare can be confusing. Your healthcare needs can also change over time, and you may wonder if you can or should make changes to your coverage. SHIP counselors can provide information on many topics, including:
- how and when to enroll in Medicare
- the different parts of Medicare and what each covers
- differences between Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans, and how to choose the right one for you
- what to know if you need a Medigap (supplemental) plan
- how to join or leave a plan
- what to know if you choose a plan you do not like
- what out-of-pocket costs you might have with your current or future plan
- eligibility requirements for additional low income benefits such as Medicare Savings Programs and Extra Help (Part D low-income subsidy)
- the process for filing an appeal or a complaint for denial of coverage
- Medicare coverage questions like length of stay at a skilled nursing facility or certain medical equipment you may need
- how to detect and avoid Medicare scams
SHIP is available to all Medicare-eligible Americans and their caregivers. You’re eligible for Medicare if:
- you are age 65 or older and are a U.S. citizen or legal resident who has lived in the United States for at least five years
- you are younger than age 65 but have a disability or end stage renal disease
You can learn about local meetings and workshops, such as Medicare Monday, on each state’s SHIP website.
Workshops often take place before the Medicare open enrollment period, which occurs annually from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
All SHIP services are free.
How to contact SHIPHere are a few ways to discover information about your local SHIP:
- reviewing a directory of SHIP offices by state can be found here
- using the Local Medicare Help tool on the SHIP website
- calling the SHIP Locator toll-free at (877) 839-2675 to find your local SHIP’s information
- searching for your SHIPs on social media, as some have Facebook pages where you can leave a message and ask to be contacted
Additional tips
Before your SHIP appointment, it’s helpful that you or your caregiver research Medicare and what it does and does not cover.
It will also help to learn about the different parts of Medicare. For example, Medicare parts A and B are known as Original Medicare. Part C is also known as Medicare Advantage, while Part D is prescription drug coverage.
To best prepare for your appointment, have the following information handy:
- your doctors’ names and knowing whether they currently accept Medicare
- your current prescriptions
- your medical conditions
- any upcoming procedures
- any needed medical equipment or supportive devices (including eyeglasses)
- the type of dental care and services you’ll need during a year
- your monthly and annual budget for healthcare spending
Note that since the COVID-19 pandemic, you have the option to meet with a SHIP counselor virtually. Your counselor is obligated to provide the same service and maintain the same confidentiality as in person.
SHIP is a free counseling service for Medicare-eligible individuals and their caregivers. You can access SHIP at any time, including the months before you enroll in Medicare.
SHIP counselors are trained, compassionate volunteers from the local community. They know the ins and outs of Medicare and provide unbiased, personalized information.