How to Get One-on-One Help with Medicare—At No Cost to You
Why You Might Need Help with Medicare
Medicare isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. With four main parts—Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)—plus Medigap supplemental plans, it can be confusing to decide what works best for you.
Common reasons people seek help include:
Medicare isn’t a one-size-fits-all program. With four main parts—Part A, Part B, Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)—plus Medigap supplemental plans, it can be confusing to decide what works best for you.
Common reasons people seek help include:
- Understanding initial enrollment timelines
- Deciding between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage
- Estimating out-of-pocket costs
- Managing coverage alongside retirement or employer plans
- Evaluating prescription drug plans and formularies
You can get trustworthy, personalized help from several reputable sources:
- State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
- Licensed independent Medicare advisors
- Days 61–90: $408 per day
- Medicare Advantage and supplement plan insurers
- Local nonprofit and community organizations
- Medicare.gov online support and helpline
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
Every U.S. state and territory has a SHIP program, offering unbiased, state-sponsored counseling. SHIP counselors are trained volunteers or professionals who:
- Do not sell insurance
- Offer completely free and impartial advice
- Provide in-person, phone, or virtual appointments
- Help with claims, appeals, and coverage comparisons
Licensed Independent Medicare Agents
Unlike SHIP counselors, independent licensed agents do work with insurers but:
A trustworthy agent:
While these representatives work for a specific company, they can still be a helpful resource if you’re already considering their plans. Always compare at least 3–4 plans before deciding.
Being prepared helps your advisor offer tailored advice and recommend plans that suit your lifestyle and medical situation
Expect the session to last anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the complexity of your needs.
Also, ask about Star Ratings and customer service reputations of the plans you’re considering.
Medicare will never call you to sell plans or demand immediate enrollment.
Unlike SHIP counselors, independent licensed agents do work with insurers but:
- Are highly knowledgeable about plan options in your area
- Offer their services free of charge
- Can help you compare multiple insurance providers
- Explain plan differences, including Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap
- Will ask about your health needs and budget
- Should never pressure you into a plan
- Must be licensed and certified to offer Medicare products
Medicare Advantage and Insurance Providers
Insurance companies that offer Medicare plans often provide:
Insurance companies that offer Medicare plans often provide:
- Free educational seminars
- Personal advisors you can speak to one-on-one
- Online plan comparison tools
- Annual plan reviews
How to Prepare for Your Medicare Consultation
To make the most of your one-on-one session:
To make the most of your one-on-one session:
- Make a list of your current prescriptions
- Bring your doctor and provider list
- Know your monthly budget and anticipated healthcare needs
- Write down any questions you have in advance
- Bring past medical bills (if applicable)
What Happens During a One-on-One Session?
During your personalized Medicare consultation, the advisor or counselor will:
During your personalized Medicare consultation, the advisor or counselor will:
- Review your Medicare eligibility and enrollment dates
- Discuss your current health needs
- Compare available plans in your area
- Explain premiums, copays, deductibles, and drug coverage
- Help you apply or enroll directly if you’re ready
Questions You Should Ask Your Advisor
To ensure you’re choosing the right coverage, ask:
To ensure you’re choosing the right coverage, ask:
- What are the total out-of-pocket costs for each plan?
- Are my doctors and hospitals in-network?
- Does the plan cover my prescriptions?
- What is the maximum annual cost I might incur?
- Are there extra benefits like vision, dental, or hearing?
- Can I change my plan later if needed?
Avoiding Scams and Unlicensed Help
Unfortunately, some individuals may pose as Medicare helpers without proper credentials. Protect yourself by:
Unfortunately, some individuals may pose as Medicare helpers without proper credentials. Protect yourself by:
- Never giving your Medicare number or SSN to unverified sources
- Checking if an agent is licensed in your state
- Verifying any unsolicited caller claiming to be “from Medicare”
Conclusion:
Medicare decisions can impact your health and finances for years. That’s why getting free, one-on-one Medicare help is a smart move—whether you’re enrolling for the first time, changing plans during Open Enrollment, or simply trying to lower your costs.
Use trusted resources like SHIP counselors, independent agents, and insurer advisors to make sense of your options. There’s no reason to feel overwhelmed—help is available and it won’t cost you a dime.
Medicare decisions can impact your health and finances for years. That’s why getting free, one-on-one Medicare help is a smart move—whether you’re enrolling for the first time, changing plans during Open Enrollment, or simply trying to lower your costs.
Use trusted resources like SHIP counselors, independent agents, and insurer advisors to make sense of your options. There’s no reason to feel overwhelmed—help is available and it won’t cost you a dime.
