State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP is a free, unbiased counseling program in every state that helps people with Medicare understand their options. SHIP counselors do not sell insurance; they provide education and assistance at no cost.
Understanding State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP (the State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is a free, federally funded counseling service available in every state that helps people with Medicare understand their coverage and options. SHIP counselors are trained and unbiased — they do not sell insurance or earn commissions, so their guidance is purely educational.
For beneficiaries, SHIP is a trusted, no-cost resource for questions about enrollment, comparing plans, appeals, and programs that lower costs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs. Because counselors are not tied to any insurer, they are especially helpful for people who want neutral information before making a decision.
For example, if you are overwhelmed during the Annual Enrollment Period, a SHIP counselor can sit down with you to review your current plan, explain your options, and help you understand cost-saving programs — without recommending a specific company's product.
Have questions a SHIP counselor could not fully answer? Get a free Medicare review and a licensed advisor can compare specific plans for you.
Related Terms
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)
The Annual Enrollment Period runs from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch to Original Medicare, or change Part D plans.
Medicare Advantage
Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D coverage in one plan.
Medigap
Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private health insurance that helps pay some of the health care costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
Need Help Understanding Your Options?
A licensed Medicare advisor can explain how state health insurance assistance program (ship) applies to your specific situation.
Get a Free Medicare Review