Every Florida senior has access to free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Florida State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors are trained volunteers who can help you understand your Medicare options without trying to sell you anything. Here is how to access SHIP in Florida.
What Is Florida SHIP?
SHIP is a federally funded program administered in Florida by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. SHIP counselors provide one-on-one assistance with Medicare enrollment, plan comparisons, billing questions, appeals, and understanding your rights. The service is completely free and available to all Florida Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.
What SHIP Can Help With
SHIP counselors can help you: understand the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement; compare Part D prescription drug plans; navigate the Annual Enrollment Period; understand your rights when a plan is discontinued; file Medicare appeals; identify programs that help pay Medicare costs (Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs); and understand your Medicare Explanation of Benefits.
What SHIP Cannot Do
SHIP counselors are not licensed insurance agents and cannot enroll you in a plan or make recommendations about specific plans. They provide education and information but not sales assistance. For enrollment help and plan-specific comparisons, a licensed Florida insurance agent is the appropriate resource.
How to Access SHIP in Florida
You can reach Florida SHIP by calling 1-800-963-5337. SHIP also has local offices in every Florida county through the network of Area Agencies on Aging. Many counties offer in-person counseling appointments, phone consultations, and community education events.
SHIP and Licensed Agents: Complementary Resources
SHIP and licensed insurance agents serve complementary roles. SHIP provides unbiased education; licensed agents provide enrollment assistance and plan-specific guidance. Many Florida seniors use both resources — SHIP to understand their options and a licensed agent to enroll in the best plan.
For enrollment assistance and plan comparisons, call (435) 612-1009. For unbiased education, contact Florida SHIP at 1-800-963-5337.