Medicare Open Enrollment
Getting Help During Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment runs October 15 – December 7.
This is a time for people with Medicare to join, switch, or drop their Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Not everyone needs to take action during Open Enrollment. Before seeking help from SHIP, see if your question or situation may be addressed in the self-help resources below.
Questions About Medicare?
Select a topic below to find Medicare information, videos, and tools.
Medicare
Options
What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?
Working
Past 65?
Do you need to enroll in Medicare if you’re still working past age 65?
Know Your Coverage
Confused about your coverage? Here’s how to know what’s in your health care wallet.
Extra Medical Coverage
Have a Medigap/ Medicare supplement? Learn more about what that means for you.
Help With Medicare Costs
Looking for programs that may help lower Medicare costs?
Comparing Plans During Open Enrollment
You have several options to compare health and drug plans. Medicare.gov is available 24/7 and lets you create an account, compare plans online, and enroll directly using Medicare Plan Finder. These tools walk you through the steps.
Preparing for Open Enrollment
Whether you’re calling 1-800-Medicare or scheduling an appointment with a SHIP counselor, use these resources to gather the information you’ll need to compare plans.
Need One-on-One Medicare Support?
SHIP counselors offer free, unbiased, one-on-one help — no sales, no pressure. Your local SHIP may go by a different name, such as HICAP, SHIIP, SHINE, or VICAP. Use the SHIP Locator below or call 1-877-839-2675.
Our Mission
The SHIP mission is to empower, educate, and assist Medicare-eligible individuals through objective outreach, counseling, and training.