State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Your state's SHIP gives one-on-one help with Medicare. A counselor can help you choose a plan, review your coverage, understand costs and apply for Extra Help.
Good to know
SHIP services are free. The national number puts you in touch with your local SHIP; the national center itself does not give counseling. You can also pick your state on the site to find your local office and its number. From October 15 to December 7 SHIPs are busiest, and the SHIP site suggests 1-800-MEDICARE then.
Before you call
Have ready
- your Medicare Number and any Medicare Summary Notice or plan letter about the decision
They can
- give you free one-on-one counseling about Medicare
- help you file a Medicare appeal (Medicare.gov names SHIP as a place to get this help)
They cannot
- give counseling on the national number: it puts you in touch with your local SHIP, as does picking your state on shiphelp.org
- pay your bill
In the emergency guides: I'm being sent home from hospital, or someone I care for is → · My health insurance or Medicaid is ending → · I got a medical bill I can't pay, or a claim was denied →
- Phone
- 1-877-839-2675
- Website
- https://www.shiphelp.org
- Coverage
- Nationwide (U.S.)
- Languages
- English
- Best for
- Older adults
- Last checked
- October 10, 2026
See something out of date or wrong? Tell us by email.
Shared by FindAngel.org — free, always · https://findangel.org/resources/ship-medicare-counseling/