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Local Medicare Help

Trusted, unbiased, one-on-one
counseling and assistance.

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State Health Insurance Assistance Programs help you navigate the complexities of Medicare.

Looking for help? Find your local SHIP here:

SHIP Locator
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Getting Ready for Medicare?

Click "News" for a short fact sheet about enrolling in Medicare through Social Security or to view short recorded trainings. Click "SSA" to go directly to the Social Security website.

News SSA
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Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period

Medicare’s Open Enrollment is the time of year when you can make changes to your Medicare coverage. This period runs from October 15 through December 7. You may also hear the Open Enrollment Period called the Annual Election Period.

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Resources for SHIPs

If you are a SHIP staff member or volunteer, training and technical assistance is available.

Learn More

Our Mission

SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program. SHIP provides unbiased help to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions on how to use your Medicare, SHIP can help.

Success Stories

SHIPs and their highly trained volunteers help thousands navigate Medicare each year. Watch these stories to see how SHIP can help you or how you can help others.

View More Stories

Eloise Dennis

Beneficiary Story

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"I was not too adept at navigating the government website, but I had seen SHIP offering this service, and I thought, 'I think that's the way to go.'"

Betty Jerry

Beneficiary Story

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"It makes me feel like I matter. Because before the help that I received here."

Gary Bartle

Beneficiary Story

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"They certainly make it very easy and simplify the whole process.”