Medicare is confusing, and the people who call you about it are usually selling something. Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program - SHIP - is the free, unbiased alternative: trained local counselors who help you compare plans, understand your bills and appeals, and spot the coverage that fits your doctors and prescriptions.
SHIPs operate in every state, plus DC, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, funded by the federal Administration for Community Living. Counseling is free, confidential and one-on-one, in person or by phone - especially valuable during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7), when plans, costs and benefits change for the next year.
Find your local SHIP at shiphelp.org or call the national center at 877-839-2675.
