The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, is a national program providing one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. Called SHIP or SHIIP in many states, these state-level programs also go by various other names (for example, in Florida it is "SHINE" and in Connecticut it is called "Choices"). For the local SHIP available in your state, click on this link to the national directory.

SHIP provides information, counseling and assistance to Medicare Beneficiaries involving a statewide network of volunteers. SHIP Volunteers offer FREE one-on-one assistance and counseling with respect to many problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance and long-term care options.

What kinds of help can you get free from SHIP? Your state's SHIP will answer your questions such as:

• I’m retiring. What kind of health insurance do I need?
• What is Medicare Part D and can I enroll in a Prescription Drug Plan?
• I can’t make sense of my Medicare statements and medical bills. What do I do next?
• What should I look for in a long term care insurance policy and is it a good option for me?
• Do I need a Medicare supplement policy?
• How can I help my parents with health insurance?

SHIP is unique because its an information source and advocate. SHIP doesn't sell insurance or recommend policies, agents or specific companies. This free, confidential service through your own state provides people on Medicare and concerned relatives or friends objective information about their health insurance needs.