What is SHIP counselor? It stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselor — a trained advisor who helps Medicare beneficiaries navigate their coverage options at no cost. These counselors are funded by federal grants through the Administration for Community Living and operate in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.
S. Virgin Islands. That means 54 programs serve millions of people each year. SHIP counselors do not sell insurance. They do not earn commissions. Their only job is to give you unbiased, personalized guidance on Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, Medigap policies, and low-income assistance programs. For anyone feeling overwhelmed by Medicare decisions, a SHIP counselor is one of the most valuable — and most underused — free resources available.
What Is SHIP Counselor Help and What Do They Actually Do?
Understanding what is SHIP counselor assistance starts with knowing the scope of their work. These counselors help with far more than just picking a plan during open enrollment. They compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap options side by side, explain late enrollment penalties, and identify whether you qualify for programs like Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs. They also assist with billing disputes, denied claims, and the formal appeals process. In the most recent reporting year, SHIP programs recorded nearly 1.8 million one-on-one client contacts nationwide.
However, SHIP counselors have one important limitation. They cannot enroll you in a plan directly. Their role is advisory only. Once you decide on a plan, you complete enrollment yourself through Medicare.gov or by contacting the insurer. This keeps the counseling completely neutral. Unlike insurance brokers who may be contracted with specific carriers like UnitedHealthcare, Humana, or Aetna, SHIP counselors have no financial incentive to recommend one plan over another.
More than 12,500 SHIP team members operate across over 2,200 local sites. Roughly half of these team members are volunteers. In addition to one-on-one sessions, SHIP programs hosted over 18,800 outreach events in a single year, reaching an additional 2.6 million people through group presentations and community workshops.
SHIP vs. Insurance Brokers: Key Differences
Many Medicare beneficiaries wonder whether they should use a SHIP counselor or an insurance broker. Both are free to the consumer. Yet the differences matter significantly. A broker earns commission from the insurance company whose plan you select. As a result, some brokers may steer you toward plans they are contracted to sell. A SHIP counselor earns nothing from your decision and represents no insurer.
The table below breaks down the key distinctions:
| Feature | SHIP Counselor | Insurance Broker |
|---|---|---|
| Cost to you | Free (federally funded) | Free (paid by insurer) |
| Bias | Completely unbiased | May favor contracted plans |
| Can enroll you | No — advisory only | Yes — direct enrollment |
| Helps with appeals and billing | Yes | Typically no |
| Low-income program screening | Yes | Rarely |
| Availability | May have wait times during peak enrollment | Generally available year-round |
For beneficiaries who already know which plan they want, a broker can handle enrollment quickly. For those who need unbiased education — especially people new to Medicare, dual-eligible individuals, or anyone facing a billing dispute — a SHIP counselor is typically the better choice. In most cases, using both is a smart strategy: get advice from SHIP first, then enroll through a broker or directly on Medicare.gov.
How to Find a SHIP Counselor in Your State
Finding a SHIP counselor is straightforward. The fastest method is visiting shiphelp.org, the official national locator maintained by the SHIP Technical Assistance Center. Enter your zip code to find your nearest counseling site. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and ask to be connected to your local SHIP program. Your state’s Area Agency on Aging can provide referrals as well.
Not every state calls the program “SHIP.” For example, California uses the name HICAP. Florida and Massachusetts call theirs SHINE. Pennsylvania’s program is APPRISE. Ohio runs OSHIIP, Michigan has MMAP, and Tennessee uses CHOICES. Regardless of the name, every program offers the same core services funded by federal grants totaling over $55 million annually. When searching, use your state name plus “Medicare counseling” if you cannot find it under the SHIP label.
Demand for SHIP counselors peaks during Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period from October 15 through December 7. To avoid long wait times, schedule your appointment early — ideally in September or the first week of October. Many SHIP programs now offer phone and video counseling sessions in addition to in-person meetings. Consequently, even rural beneficiaries can access help without traveling to a physical office. Sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes, and you can return as many times as needed throughout the year.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is SHIP counseling really free?
Yes. All SHIP services are 100% free to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. The program is funded by federal grants administered through the Administration for Community Living. Counselors receive no commissions and sell no products.
What is SHIP counselor training like?
SHIP counselors complete extensive training on Medicare rules, plan types, and benefits counseling before they begin advising clients. Volunteers and staff alike must pass certification requirements set by their state program. They also receive annual updates to stay current with Medicare changes.
Can a SHIP counselor help me if I have Medicaid too?
Absolutely. SHIP counselors are especially helpful for dual-eligible individuals who have both Medicare and Medicaid. They can screen you for Medicare Savings Programs that pay Part B premiums and help coordinate benefits between the two programs. In the most recent data, over 209,000 adults under 65 with disabilities received SHIP assistance — many of whom were dual-eligible.
What is SHIP counselor availability outside of open enrollment?
SHIP counselors are available year-round, not just during enrollment periods. They can help with billing problems, appeals, Special Enrollment Periods, and general Medicare education at any time. Nonetheless, staffing is heaviest during the fall enrollment season, so non-urgent questions may be easier to address in spring or summer.
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Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on Medicare regulations and consumer protection:
- Medicare.gov (Official Site): medicare.gov
- CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services): cms.gov
- NAIC (National Association of Insurance Commissioners): naic.org
- KFF Medicare Research: kff.org/medicare
- Social Security Administration: ssa.gov
Content last reviewed June 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.