Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period runs through December 7. If you are comparing plans right now, you may feel buried in mailers, TV ads, and phone calls.
Here is some good news. You don’t have to sort through it alone. Free Medicare help in North Carolina and South Carolina is just a phone call away.
Both North Carolina and South Carolina offer free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Local, licensed brokers can also help you compare plans and enroll. Knowing who does what can save you time and stress.
What Is a SHIP?
SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Every state has one. It gives free, one-on-one Medicare counseling to people with Medicare, their families, and caregivers.
SHIP counselors are trained to explain your options. They don’t sell insurance. They don’t work for any insurance company or health plan.
Each state runs its SHIP a little differently. In North Carolina, it’s called SHIIP. In South Carolina, it’s run by the SC Department on Aging and is usually just called SHIP. You may also see older materials call it I-CARE. In this post, we call it SC SHIP.
North Carolina: SHIIP
The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance.
SHIIP counselors can help you understand:
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare Part D drug coverage
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
- Long-term care insurance
SHIIP also runs the NC Senior Medicare Patrol. This program helps you spot and report Medicare billing errors, fraud, and abuse.
How to reach SHIIP:
- Phone: 855-408-1212, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Email: ncdoi.ncshiip@ncdoi.gov
- In person: SHIIP has trained counselors in every county. Local help is by appointment.
South Carolina: SC SHIP
In South Carolina, the SHIP program is run by the South Carolina Department on Aging (SCDOA).
SC SHIP counselors can help you:
- Understand your Medicare benefits and coverage
- Compare Medicare Advantage and Part D drug plans
- Learn how Medigap and retiree coverage work with Medicare
- Apply for Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Extra Help
- Sort out billing problems and understand your appeal rights
How to reach SC SHIP:
- Phone: 1-800-868-9095, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Local help: You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
- Free webinar: The Department on Aging holds “Talk Medicare with Me,” a free online class on the third Thursday of each month.
When a SHIP Counselor Is a Great Fit
A SHIP counselor can be a good first call if:
- You are new to Medicare and want the basics
- You want a neutral second opinion
- You have a billing problem or a claim you think is wrong
- You think you may qualify for help paying your costs
Keep in mind that SHIP lines get busy during enrollment season. Call early, and be ready to leave a message.
When to Call a Local Broker
A licensed Medicare broker is an insurance agent who works with more than one insurance company. A broker can compare specific plans side by side, check your doctors and drugs, and help you enroll.
A broker may be a good fit if:
- You know you want to compare actual plans in your county
- You want help enrolling before December 7
- You want someone to call with questions all year long
- You want help with a Medigap application
At Carolina Senior Benefits, our help is free to you. The insurance companies pay us, not you. You can learn more in How Independent Medicare Brokers Help You Navigate Your Coverage.
One note: no broker offers every plan. If you want a full list of plans in your area, you can also use Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
How to Choose Someone You Can Trust
Whoever you talk to, protect yourself. Here are a few simple rules:
- Never share your Medicare number with someone who calls you out of the blue.
- Don’t feel rushed. A good advisor won’t pressure you to decide on the spot.
- Ask questions. Ask which companies a broker works with and how they are paid.
- Check the license. You can look up an agent’s license with your state’s Department of Insurance.
For more tips, read How to Choose a Medicare Advisor.
Get Ready Before You Call
Whoever you call, you’ll get more out of it if you come prepared. Gather these first:
- Your Medicare card
- A list of your prescriptions, with doses
- A list of your doctors and pharmacies
- Your plan’s Annual Notice of Change, if you have a plan now
Our list of 7 documents to gather before comparing plans walks you through it.
If you take prescriptions, also review the new 2027 drug cost limits in Part D in 2027: The New $2,400 Cap.
Questions to Ask When You Call
Whether you call a SHIP counselor or a broker, a few good questions can make the call more useful:
- Can you check whether my doctors are in this plan’s network?
- Can you look up what each of my drugs will cost next year?
- What will I pay in total, not just in premiums?
- If I switch, what happens if I change my mind?
- Do I qualify for any programs that lower my costs?
Write down the answers. It’s easier to compare plans when you have the facts in front of you. And if anyone pressures you to decide on the spot, it’s fine to say you need time to think.
Let’s Talk Before December 7
Free counseling and local brokers can work together. Many people start with a SHIP counselor to learn the basics. Then they call a broker to compare and enroll.
Ready to compare your 2027 options? Call Carolina Senior Benefits at 704-765-4689 or contact us online. We serve families across North and South Carolina.
