What Is SHIP Medicare Counseling?
Short answer
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provide free, objective Medicare counseling to beneficiaries, families and caregivers.
Coverage And Action
SHIP counselors can explain Medicare enrollment, Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D, Medigap, assistance programs and claims/appeal processes. Program names and local contact points vary by state.
Not Automatic
SHIP is not an insurance carrier and does not sell Medicare plans. Its counseling role is different from a licensed insurance agent or broker.
Practical Example
A beneficiary who wants an independent explanation of Part D and Extra Help can contact SHIP without agreeing to purchase a plan.
Questions to verify
- Do I want independent counseling or product-specific broker assistance?
- What is my state’s current SHIP?
- Should I bring plan notices and drug lists?