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Home > Glossary > State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

What is a state health insurance assistance program (SHIP)?

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) infographic

What is a state health insurance assistance program (SHIP)?

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) are federally funded programs in each state and in some territories that provide free counseling and assistance to Medicare enrollees and their families.

SHIPs are not affiliated with insurance companies, so they can provide unbiased advice and assistance. They can answer questions and provide advice about benefits, premiums, cost-sharing, enrollment windows, and appeals. They can also assist you with the process of enrolling in, or disenrolling from, a Medicare Advantage plan or a Medicare Part D plan.

You can find your state’s SHIP here.

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