Where to find free, unbiased help choosing a Medicare plan

You can get free help choosing a Medicare plan from your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP), Medicare itself, or a social worker at your local senior center or hospital. SHIP counselors are trained specifically to compare plans side by side and have no financial stake in which plan you pick. Medicare's official resources and phone line are also free and unbiased. The people to avoid are insurance agents who work only for one company — they earn commission on the plan you choose, which creates a conflict of interest.

The fastest way to start is to call your SHIP directly or visit Medicare.gov to use their plan comparison tool. Both will ask you which doctors and medications you use, then show you plans that cover them and what your costs would be. A SHIP counselor can then walk you through the results by phone or in person, answering questions about deductibles, copays, and how the plans work.

Key Takeaways

  • Your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) offers free counseling by phone or in person and has no financial interest in which plan you choose.
  • Medicare.gov's plan comparison tool lets you enter your doctors and medications to see which plans cover them and what you would pay.
  • Medicare's official phone line (1-800-MEDICARE) connects you to counselors who can answer questions about specific plans without bias.
  • Insurance agents who work for a single company earn commission on the plan you pick, so their information may not be in your best interest.
  • Social workers at hospitals, senior centers, and aging agencies can also help you understand your options and connect you to SHIP.

State Health Insurance information Programs (SHIP)

SHIP is a federally funded program run by each state to help people understand Medicare. Counselors are trained to compare plans, explain costs, and answer questions about coverage. They work for your state, not for any insurance company, so they have no reason to steer you toward one plan over another. The service is free, and you can meet with a counselor by phone, video, or in person depending on what your state offers.

To find your state's SHIP, visit shiptalk.org or call 1-877-839-2675. Have your Medicare card handy when you call, and be ready to list the doctors you see regularly and the medications you take. The counselor will use that information to compare plans and show you what each would cost for your specific situation. Many states also offer group workshops where you can learn about Medicare in a classroom setting.

Medicare's official plan comparison and phone support

Medicare.gov has a tool called "Find Care Providers and Suppliers" and a separate plan comparison tool that lets you search for plans by entering your zip code, doctors, and medications. The tool shows you which plans include your doctors in their network and which cover your drugs. It also calculates your estimated costs — premiums, deductibles, copays — so you can see the real dollar difference between plans.

If you prefer to talk to someone, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The line is staffed by Medicare counselors who can answer questions about how plans work, what coverage means, and whether a specific plan is right for you. They cannot tell you which plan to choose, but they can explain the differences and help you understand your options. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Social workers and aging agencies in your community

Hospital social workers, senior centers, and local Area Agencies on Aging often have staff who can help you understand Medicare. These counselors know the programs available in your area and can connect you to SHIP or other resources. If you are in the hospital or seeing a doctor regularly, ask to speak with a social worker — they can often meet with you before you leave or during an appointment.

To find your local Area Agency on Aging, visit eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-855-500-3272. The agency can tell you about counseling services, group workshops, and other Medicare help in your area. Many agencies also help with other issues seniors face, like housing, food, and transportation, so it is worth calling even if you only need Medicare help right now.

What to watch out for when getting information

Insurance agents who work for a single company or a small group of companies earn commission when you sign up for their plan. This means their financial interest is in selling you a plan, not in finding the plan that is best for you. If an agent tells you that you must decide today or that one plan is clearly better than all others, that is a red flag. Legitimate counselors will give you time to think and will explain both the strengths and weaknesses of each option.

Be cautious of anyone who promises to "maximize your benefits" or says they can get you money you did not know you were may have access to to. While some seniors do may have access to for programs like Extra Help (for drug costs) or Medicaid, no one can may provide that you will. A legitimate counselor will explain what programs exist and what the general requirements are, then direct you to the right place to find out whether you may have access to.

Questions to ask before you choose a plan

Before you decide on a plan, ask a counselor or use the comparison tool to find out: Does the plan cover your regular doctors? Does it cover the medications you take, and at what cost? What is the deductible, and what do you pay for doctor visits and hospital stays? Is there a maximum out-of-pocket cost, and what is it? Does the plan cover dental, vision, or hearing aids if you need them?

Also ask about the plan's service area — some plans only work in certain counties or states. If you travel or split time between two homes, make sure the plan covers you where you spend most of your time. A counselor can help you understand what each answer means for your wallet and your health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my plan if I choose the wrong one?

Yes. You have a window each year called Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) when you can switch to a different plan. If you have a major life change — like moving, losing coverage, or getting married — you may be able to change plans outside of Open Enrollment. A SHIP counselor can tell you whether your situation qualifies.

Do I have to use Medicare.gov to compare plans, or can a counselor do it for me?

A SHIP counselor can use the tool with you over the phone or in person, walking you through each step and explaining what the numbers mean. Many people find this easier than using the website alone, especially if they are not comfortable with computers. You can also ask a counselor to print out a comparison so you can review it at home.

What if I do not have a regular doctor yet?

You can still compare plans based on the hospitals and urgent care centers near you, or based on the medications you take. Once you choose a plan, you can find doctors who accept it using the plan's provider directory. A counselor can help you understand how to search for doctors after you enroll.

Is there a cost to talk to a SHIP counselor?

No. SHIP counseling is completely free. You will not be asked to pay for the counselor's time, and you will not be pressured to buy anything. The program is funded by the federal government to help people understand their Medicare options.

What if I speak a language other than English?

Medicare.gov and the 1-800-MEDICARE line offer interpretation services in many languages. SHIP programs also often have counselors who speak languages other than English, or can arrange an interpreter. When you call, let them know what language you speak, and they will connect you with someone who can help.