State Health Insurance Assistance Program

SHIP is your local State Health Insurance Assistance program. We provide free, unbiased help to M edicare-eligible beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. Whether you are new to Medicare, reviewing Medicare plan options, or have questions about how to use your Medicare, SHIP can help. Trained staff and volunteer counselors are available in all 23 counties and Baltimore City for one-on-one assistance and community education.​

SHIP Provides Assistance With:​

• Plan comparison and enrollment
• Understanding coverage and costs
• Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)
• Eligibility and enrollment for financial assistance programs
• Preventive services
• Billing issues and appeals
• Health care fraud and marketing violations
• Referral to other resources

Become a SHIP Volunteer

SHIP counselors are members of your local community who have been screened, trained, and c ertified as Medicare experts. Many are volunteers and they may even be one of your peers. They pride themselves on providing unbiased, confidential counseling. Their only priority is helping you make informed decisions about your care and benefits. Learn more about the role of SHIP volunteers​ or submit an interest form to become one!

Additional Resources​

Medicare Overview

• What's Medicare?
• ​Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) FAQs
• Costs for Medicare Drug Coverage
• When to Enroll
• Medicare Open Enrollment
• Medicare Special Enrollment Periods
  

Medicare in 2024

• Medicare and You Handbook 2024
• Annual Changes in Medicare Costs
• Medicare Part D Cost Sharing Chart 2024​
  

Choosing a Medicare Plan

• Medicare Plan Finder
• Compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
• Compare types of Medicare Advantage Plans
• Choosing Medicare Drug Coverage
• Compare Medigap Plan Benefits​
  

Financial Assistance

• Medicare Savings Program
• Part D Low-Income Subsidy/Extra Help
• Maryland Senior Prescription Drug Assistance Program
• BenefitsCheckUp​

Medicare Fraud

Resources

Counselors Throughout Maryland

• Allegany County:
  301-783-1710
• Anne Arundel County:
  410-222-4077
• Baltimore City:
  410-396-2273
• Baltimore County:
  410-887-2059
• Calvert County:
  410-535-4606
• Caroline County:
  410-479-2535
• Carroll County:
  410-386-3800
• Cecil County:
  410-996-8174
• Charles County:
  301-934-9305
• Dorchester County:
  410-376-3662
• Frederick County:
  301-600-1234
• Garrett County:
  301-334-9431
• Harford County:
  410-638-3025
• Howard County:
  410-313-7392
• Kent County:
  410-778-2564
• Montgomery County:
  301-255-4250
• Prince George's County: 301-265-8471
• Queen Anne's County:
  410-758-0848 Option 3
• Somerset County:
  410-742-0505
• St. Mary's County:
  301-475-4200 ext. 1064
• Talbot County:
  410-822-2869 ext. 231
• Washington County:
  301-790-0275
• Wicomico County:
  410-742-0505
• Worcester County:
  410-742-0505