Since 2011, we've helped more than 5 million visitors understand Medicare coverage.

A PROPERTY OF HEALTHINSURANCE.ORG, LLC, A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
Get a quote From a licensed third party agency
medicareresources.org
Get a quote From a licensed third party agency
A PROPERTY OF HEALTHINSURANCE.ORG, LLC, A NON-GOVERNMENTAL ENTITY
Enrollment options
Enrollment options by state
Coverage options
Original Medicare Part A Original Medicare Part B Medicare Advantage Part C Medicare Part D Medicare Supplement Plans
Featured
How are Medicare benefits changing for 2026?
Changes to 2025 Medicare coverage include a $2,000 cap on Part D out-of-pocket costs, small reductions in the average premium for Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, increases for Medicare Part B and Part A premiums and cost-sharing, and adjustments to income-related premium surcharges for Part B and Part D.
Guides
Medicare Open Enrollment 2026 Financial help by state Enrollment and Eligibility
Medicare Basics
What is Medicare? History of Medicare Medicare and the ACA
Latest News & Topics
FAQs Blog Glossary
Featured
What is the income-related monthly adjusted amount (IRMAA)?
For 2025, high-income beneficiaries – earning over $106,000 a year – pay an IRMAA surcharge that’s added to their Part B and Part D premiums and determined by income from their income tax returns two years prior.

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.

Related Articles

Are there specific steps I should take to prepare for enrollment in Medicare?

Are there specific steps I should take to prepare for enrollment in Medicare?

Here's how to successfully enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap; plus enrollment information for dual-eligibles.

Who can help me enroll in a Medicare plan?

Who can help me enroll in a Medicare plan?

It's fine for friends and family to help you work through the Medicare plan selection process, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.

Are there specific steps I should take to prepare for enrollment in Medicare?

Are there specific steps I should take to prepare for enrollment in Medicare?

Here's how to successfully enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap; plus enrollment information for dual-eligibles.

Who can help me enroll in a Medicare plan?

Who can help me enroll in a Medicare plan?

It's fine for friends and family to help you work through the Medicare plan selection process, as long as you follow a few basic guidelines.