If you have Medicare and feel overwhelmed by plan choices, rising premiums, or out-of-pocket costs, free help is available in every state. Through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), trained counselors provide one-on-one Medicare guidance at no charge. They do not sell insurance, earn commissions, or push any particular plan. This article explains who qualifies for free Medicare counseling, what SHIP can help you with, and how to find savings programs that can cut your Medicare costs by hundreds of dollars per year.
What Is SHIP and Who Can Use It?
SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. It is a federally funded network of local counseling offices operating in every state. Each state's program may have a different name. Florida calls it SHINE, California calls it HICAP, New York calls it HIICAP, but all of them offer the same core service: free, unbiased Medicare help from certified counselors.
Any person who has Medicare or is approaching Medicare eligibility can use SHIP. That includes people who qualify due to age (65 and older) and people under 65 who have Medicare because of a disability. Family members and caregivers can also contact SHIP for guidance.
Appointments are available by phone, video call, or in person at local offices, senior centers, and libraries. There is no income requirement to receive SHIP counseling. The service is free regardless of your income, assets, or which Medicare plan you currently have.
What SHIP Counselors Can Help With
SHIP counselors are trained and certified on all parts of Medicare. A single appointment can cover several topics at once. Common reasons people contact SHIP include:
- Comparing Original Medicare versus Medicare Advantage plans
- Understanding what Medicare Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D each cover
- Reviewing Medigap (Medicare Supplement) options and costs
- Enrolling in a Part D prescription drug plan during open enrollment
- Filing appeals when Medicare denies a claim
- Applying for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that pay premiums and reduce costs
- Applying for Extra Help (also called the Low-Income Subsidy) for prescription drug costs
- Reviewing bills and explanation of benefits statements
Counselors do not recommend specific plans or insurance companies. They help you understand your options so you can make your own decision.
Medicare Savings Programs: Income Limits for 2026
Medicare Savings Programs are state and federal programs that pay some or all of your Medicare premiums, deductibles, and copayments if your income and resources are low enough. There are four types, each with different income limits and benefits.
Medicare Part B premium is $202.90 per month in 2026, up 9.7% from the prior year. For many people on fixed incomes, that is a significant expense. MSPs can eliminate that cost entirely.
2026 Medicare Savings Program Income Limits (Monthly)
| Program | Who It Helps | Monthly Income Limit (Single) | Monthly Income Limit (Couple) | What It Pays |
|---|
| QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary) | Lowest income | $1,350 | $1,824 | Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and copayments |
| SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary) | Slightly higher income | $1,616 | $2,184 | Part B premium only |
| QI (Qualifying Individual) | Income just above SLMB | $1,816 | $2,455 | Part B premium only (funding is limited) |
| QDWI (Qualified Disabled Working Individual) | Working disabled under 65 | $4,615 | $6,239 | Part A premium only |
Income limits are slightly higher in Alaska and Hawaii. Many states also use broader eligibility rules or disregard certain income sources, so you may qualify even if your income appears slightly above these federal limits.
Resource limits (savings, checking accounts, investments) also apply but are separate from income. Most states allow individuals to have up to approximately $9,430 in countable resources and couples up to $14,130. Some states have eliminated resource tests entirely.
SHIP counselors can check your eligibility for all four MSP levels and help you apply through your state Medicaid agency.
Extra Help for Part D Drug Costs in 2026
Extra Help, also called the Low-Income Subsidy (LIS), reduces the cost of prescription drugs under Medicare Part D. For 2026, the income limit for Extra Help is $23,475 per year for a single person and $31,725 per year for a married couple. Resource limits are $18,090 (single) and $36,100 (couple).
People who qualify for Extra Help receive:
- Reduced or eliminated Part D plan premium
- No Part D deductible
- Copays capped at $5.10 per generic prescription and $12.65 per brand-name prescription in 2026
People who already receive Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or a Medicare Savings Program are automatically enrolled in Extra Help. If you do not receive any of those programs but meet the income and resource limits, you need to apply through Social Security or through your state Medicaid office.
SHIP counselors can help you apply for Extra Help and make sure your Part D plan takes advantage of the benefit.
Other Places to Get Free Medicare Help
Beyond SHIP, several other organizations offer free, unbiased Medicare assistance:
Medicare.gov and 1-800-MEDICARE
The official Medicare website and helpline provide plan comparison tools and general guidance. Staff at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can answer questions around the clock. They can also transfer you to your state's SHIP program.
Social Security Administration
For Extra Help applications and questions about Medicare enrollment tied to Social Security benefits, the SSA can be reached at 1-800-772-1213 or at ssa.gov. Local SSA offices accept walk-in appointments.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
Every community has an Area Agency on Aging that connects older adults to local services. Many AAA offices host SHIP counselors or can refer you to one. Find yours at eldercare.acl.gov or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Benefits Eligibility Screener
If you are unsure whether you qualify for Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, Medicaid, or other assistance, you can use the free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check multiple programs at once based on your ZIP code and income.
How to Find Your Local SHIP Office
The fastest way to find a SHIP counselor near you is to visit shiphelp.org and click "Find Local Medicare Help." Every state is listed, and many states allow you to search by ZIP code to find the nearest local office or schedule an appointment.
You can also:
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask to be connected to your state's SHIP
- Contact your local Area Agency on Aging (1-800-677-1116)
- Visit your local senior center and ask for Medicare counseling
Most SHIP offices have a wait time of a few days to a few weeks, especially during Medicare open enrollment (October 15 to December 7). Calling early in the year or scheduling outside of open enrollment typically means faster access.
What to Bring to a SHIP Appointment
To make the most of your appointment, bring or have ready:
- Your Medicare card (red, white, and blue card or Medicare Advantage card)
- Any current insurance cards (Medigap, Part D plan, employer coverage)
- A list of your prescription medications with dosages
- Recent Medicare Summary Notices or Explanation of Benefits letters
- A recent Social Security or other income statement if applying for cost-saving programs
- A list of your questions
Counselors work through your situation at your pace. Most appointments run 30 to 60 minutes.
Open Enrollment Periods to Know in 2026
Several enrollment windows affect when you can make Medicare changes.
Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7. During this period, anyone with Medicare can switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Changes take effect January 1.
Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31. If you are in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to a different Advantage plan or return to Original Medicare during this window.
Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Available year-round for people who experience qualifying life events, such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new area, or qualifying for Medicaid.
SHIP counselors are available year-round, not just during open enrollment. If you have a billing question, a denied claim, or want to apply for savings programs, you do not have to wait for a specific enrollment window.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is SHIP Medicare counseling really free?
Yes. SHIP counselors are paid through federal and state funding. There is no charge for their time, and they will never ask you to buy anything. They are not insurance agents and do not earn commissions.
What is the income limit to qualify for Medicare Savings Programs in 2026?
It depends on which level of the program you are applying for. For QMB (the most comprehensive benefit), the monthly income limit is approximately $1,350 for a single person and $1,824 for a couple. The QI program has the highest income limit at about $1,816 (single) and $2,455 (couple). Some states set higher limits, so even if you are slightly above these numbers it is worth applying.
Can SHIP help me appeal a Medicare denial?
Yes. SHIP counselors can help you understand your appeal rights, gather supporting documentation, and file appeals with Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, or Part D plans. They can also help you request a redetermination if you disagree with a coverage decision.
What is the difference between a SHIP counselor and a Medicare insurance agent?
A SHIP counselor is a certified volunteer or staff member who works for a nonprofit or government agency. They receive no commission and have no financial reason to steer you toward any plan. A Medicare insurance agent earns commissions from the plans they sell. Both can be useful, but SHIP is fully neutral.
How do I apply for Extra Help with Part D costs?
You can apply for Extra Help online at ssa.gov, by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office. You can also apply through your state Medicaid office. SHIP counselors can walk you through the application and confirm which documents you need.
Does qualifying for a Medicare Savings Program automatically enroll me in Extra Help?
Yes. If you are approved for any Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, or QI), Social Security automatically enrolls you in Extra Help for your Part D costs. You do not have to apply separately.
Can I use SHIP if I have Medicare Advantage instead of Original Medicare?
Yes. SHIP counselors assist people with all types of Medicare coverage, including Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. They can help you review your current plan, compare it to other options during open enrollment, and resolve coverage or billing issues.
What if I just turned 65 and am new to Medicare?
SHIP is an excellent first call for new Medicare enrollees. Counselors can explain enrollment timelines, help you avoid late enrollment penalties, and review your coverage options before you commit to a plan. If you are still working and have employer coverage, they can help you figure out whether to enroll now or wait.
