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What is a SHIP?

Category: Other Q1Medicare tips and questions
Updated: Jul, 07 2023
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A State Health Insurance Assistance Program.  A SHIP, as defined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is,
"[a] state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare."

SHIP counselors undergo continuous training in the various areas of Medicare coverage and can help you answer coverage questions and even assist you with selecting your Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan or Medicare Supplement.

SHIP Counselors are not compensated for your Medicare plan enrollment and provide an unbiased source of Medicare plan information.

The official SHIP site is: www.shiphelp.org/


Click below for your local SHIP phone number and website (or start with www.shiphelp.org/about-medicare/regional-ship-location).



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  • There are additional restrictions to join an MSA plan, and enrollment is generally for a full calendar year unless you meet certain exceptions. Those who disenroll during the calendar year will owe a portion of the account deposit back to the plan. Contact the plan provider for additional information.
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