SHIP - Local, Objective Medicare Advice
Your SHIP provides local, in-depth, and objective insurance counseling. It’s available to Medicare-eligible individuals, their families, and caregivers. These programs are run by your state and paid for with a mix of federal and sometimes state funds. You can find your local SHIP here: SHIP Help
Your SHIP can help with many things.
- Understanding choices
- How to enroll
- Plan comparison
- Coverage and costs
- Paying for Medicare and prescriptions
- Troubleshooting billing issues
- Submitting appeals
Your SHIP will not act as an insurance agent and directly enroll you into a plan. Once your SHIP counselor helps you choose the right options, you can use the official Medicare Plan Finder tool on Medicare.gov to complete your enrollment independently.
- Create or Log In: Go to Medicare.gov and log into your secure Medicare account. If you don't have one yet, you can create it using your Medicare number.
- Find Your Plans: Use the "Find Plans" tool to look up the exact Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) you discussed with your counselor.
- Select and Enroll: Click the "Enroll" button next to your chosen plan.
- Fill Out the Application: Complete the online forms. You will need your Medicare number, effective dates for Part A and Part B, and your permanent address.
- Confirmation: Submit the form and save or print the confirmation number for your records.
