No that doesn't mean you have to go hang out at the waterfront to find out if Medigap Plan M or Plan N is the right one for you - SHIPS stands for State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Programs - and you can find yours online.

In some states SHIP is known by some other similar sounding name such as New Jersey's Division of Senior Services or Florida's SHINE - Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders, but no matter what the program is called the counseling services are federally funded - and you can locate what is available in your state by logging onto http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/staticpages/ships.aspx.

What Services SHIP provides

The Department of Health and Human Services understands that Medicare and especially Medigap insurance can be confusing, and often complicated for seniors

With so many different health insurance policies and supplemental Medicare plans available, many seniors find it too overwhelming to do comparisons, and sift through all the paperwork, and decide not to obtain a Medigap policy at all - much to their detriment.

SHIP is there to help, providing free one-to-one consultations with a volunteer counselor. 

All SHIP counselors have to be State certified and undergo a comprehensive training program. Once certified the volunteer counselor becomes like an Amazon guide, helping each person who qualifies for Medicare navigate the healthcare insurance jungle - and give them the information they need to make informed, educated decisions about Medigap insurance plans and other healthcare and health insurance issues.

SHIP counselors are there to be a resource, they will not and cannot by law, provide any legal advice, try to sell you anything, or recommend, or endorse any specific private insurance company or product. Their role is to only provide you with information and assistance so that you can make your own decisions.

SHIP volunteers have unique access to Medicare experts in both the state and federal governments. SHIP volunteers are also a clearinghouse of information on pharmaceutical assistance programs, wellness programs and other options that seniors in need of affordable or supplemental healthcare can find locally.

Counselors are usually available by appointment through your local SHIP office to provide free, completely confidential help with Medigap Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicare Part D prescription drug plans and Long-Term Care insurance. Find out more about Medicare at http://www.medicaresupplement.com/