State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides free, individualized health insurance counseling for Medicare-eligible individuals and their family members or caregivers. Get connected with a SHIP Counselor today by calling 410-396-CARE (2273).

SHIP Counselors are available to discuss:

• Medicare Part A: Hospital Insurance
• Medicare Part B: Medical Insurance
• Medicare Part C:  Advantage Plans 
• Medicare Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage 
• Medicare Supplement options (Medigap) 
• Preventitive Services
• Coverage Changes
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses
• Eligibility Criteria
• Financial Assistance Options for Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries
• Medicare Billing Issues, Appeals, Denials, and Grievances
• Rights of Medicare Beneficiaries

Open Enrollment:

NOTE: Medicare Open Enrollment: October 15–December 7

If you are new to Medicare or if you are currently on a Medicare plan, now is the time to look at your options and enroll in the right plan that works best for you!  Medicare Open Enrollment is October 15- December 7.  For assistance with your healthcare options, call the Maryland Access Point (MAP) hotline at 410-396-CARE (2273) to be referred to your local State Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Counselor

Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program aims to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers with detecting and reporting of healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse, with a focus on Medicare and Medicaid programs. 

Get connected with your local Senior Medicare Patrols:
Phone: 410-396-CARE (2273)

More information on Medicare Scams

Community Outreach
SHIP staff are available to conduct in-person or virtual outreach during which information is shared and questions are answered related to Medicare and SHIP services. Call 410-396-CARE (2273) to invite SHIP to your next community event.

Volunteer Opportunities
SHIP is made possible through the generous efforts of our volunteers. SHIP volunteers assist individuals with their Medicare questions and other health insurance issues. As a SHIP volunteer, you’ll have the opportunity to provide peer-to-peer counseling, education, and outreach to people receiving Medicare benefits. This opportunity is only available during open enrollment. To learn more, call 410-396-CARE (2273).