What is a SHIP?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a national network of federally funded programs that provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling, education, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers.
- SHIPs help individuals make informed decisions about Medicare coverage, benefits, and costs through objective one-on-one counseling, outreach, and training.
- SHIPs are funded by the Administration for Community Living within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and serve as trusted community resources for Medicare information.
- SHIP counselors are required to follow federal guidelines designed to ensure SHIPs remain a safe, trustworthy, and impartial resource for Medicare help.
To learn more about the National SHIP program, visit SHIP Help.
Click the corresponding button below for more information on Missouri SHIP.
Who are the counselors?
Missouri SHIP has more than 200 trained and certified counselors across the state who provide free, local Medicare counseling in their communities.
- Counselors complete extensive training and ongoing education to stay certified.
- They help individuals understand their healthcare options, navigate the Medicare system, and reduce Medicare-related costs.
- Some counselors are paid staff at their agencies, while others are dedicated community volunteers.
Missouri SHIP partners with trusted community organizations statewide.
- Community Partners may have staff trained as SHIP counselors or host other SHIP counselors for events and Medicare counseling sessions.
- Our Community Volunteer Counselors and Community Partners are essential to our mission.
If you want to learn more about volunteering with Missouri SHIP or becoming a Community Partner, click the corresponding button below.