Get Medicare Advice From State Counseling Programs

get help with medicare questions

Get Medicare advice from free state counseling programs

When it’s time to choose Medicare healthcare or prescription drug plans, you might be wishing for some expert advice.

Fortunately, state-run counseling programs are available so you can get one-on-one help with Medicare questions for free.

These government programs are generally called SHIP, which stands for State Health Insurance and Assistance Programs

Anyone can call a SHIP counselor for Medicare advice – even if they’re not currently enrolled.

Speaking with a SHIP counselor is especially helpful during the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period from October 15th to December 7th.

They can help you understand which Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, or Medicaid benefits will work best for your older adult based on their health needs.

We explain why getting expert advice before choosing a Medicare plan can save time and money and how to find your local SHIP office.

 
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Get help with Medicare questions to make informed decisions

It may feel like an overwhelming task to study the available plans, review the drug formularies, and estimate your older adult’s future medical needs.

SHIP’s Medicare counseling can save you time by narrowing the options to those that work best for your older adult’s specific needs.

For example, we’ve heard from a California SHIP program manager that she’s often able to save people hundreds or thousands of dollars just by helping them choose a better prescription drug plan.

 

SHIP program names can differ across states

These programs are generally referred to as SHIP, but because they’re state-run, the names can be different in some states

Some of the more common program names across U.S. states are: SHIIP, SHINE, SHIBA, or HICAP.

Despite the name differences, the Medicare counseling services are the same across all states.

 

Find a local Medicare counselor

To find a SHIP Medicare counselor in your area, visit the National SHIP website and use the SHIP Locator to find your state’s SHIP website and phone number. 

Then, browse the state website to find a program office near you or call for more information.

 

Next Step  Find a local SHIP Medicare counseling office and get one-on-one help with Medicare questions

 

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By DailyCaring Editorial Team
Image: Barrett Hills Senior Care

 

This article wasn’t sponsored and doesn’t contain affiliate links. For more information, see How We Make Money.


20 Comments

  • Reply October 26, 2017

    Linda Hoff

    Can you really call a volunteer who’s had an average of 10-15 hours of training an “Expert”?

    • Reply October 26, 2017

      DailyCaring

      In order to provide accurate Medicare advice, each SHIP organization has staff and volunteers who go through mandatory initial and ongoing training and certification. Each state’s requirements may be different. If you’re concerned about the advice you’re getting, you can always request to speak with the supervisor or director of the organization about your concerns.

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