What is a SHIP counselor, and how is that different from working with a Medicare broker?

Question

Jeremy Harkins · Accepted Answer

A SHIP counselor works through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. SHIP is federally funded and provides free Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors are not connected to an insurance company or health plan, and they can help explain Medicare, compare plans, understand bills, work through coverage questions and find assistance programs.

A Medicare broker is a licensed insurance professional. A broker can help you compare Medicare plans they are authorized to represent, make a recommendation based on your situation, and help you actually enroll. Independent brokers may represent several insurance companies rather than just one. Medicare agents and brokers must be state licensed and complete Medicare training each year.

The other big difference is what happens after enrollment.

A good broker should continue helping you when plans change, prescriptions get expensive, a doctor leaves a network, or you have a coverage problem. That ongoing relationship can be valuable because the broker already knows your doctors, prescriptions and what mattered when the coverage was originally selected.

SHIP can be especially helpful if you want a free, non-sales Medicare resource, need help understanding your rights, or are working through a billing or assistance issue.

You do not necessarily have to choose one or the other. The important thing is understanding the role each one plays and getting help from someone who will look at your whole Medicare situation rather than simply pointing you toward a plan.

Shelly Hefley · Answer

Shipp counselors are helpful in supplying information. They will give you the basic information and they are limited in their knowledge of specific plan information. Individual insurance brokers are more widely knowledgeable, typically and can sign you up for plans and help after you sign up. Shipp counselors typically do not provide assistance afterwards.

Answered by Shelly Hefley on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, IL, KY & TN

Answered by Shelly Hefley Medicare Insurance Agent

Sabri Amara · Answer

I think SHIP counselor's are the worst. They are state employed individuals that advise on insurance and do not hold an insurance license. In my experience they know just enough to be dangerous and based on interactions with clients of mine they are far from neutral which is what they are supposed to be. Medicare broker's are licensed professionals who recommend and enroll clients into plans they represent. Broker's do not charge you a fee and are paid commission by the insurance company they enroll you in. Brokers are able to compare multiple plans from multiple carriers and tell you why you should not consider a carrier and why you should consider a carrier/plan that they recommend for you. Its important and I encourage you work with a broker and develop a relationship with one that not only enrolls you but also services you if you need something post enrollment

Answered by Sabri Amara on September 24, 2026

Broker Licensed in IN, AL, AZ & 28 other states

Answered by Sabri Amara Medicare Insurance Agent

Jorge Collado · Answer

A State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselor is a trained volunteer or staff member who provides free, objective help and education about Medicare, while a Medicare broker is a licensed professional who sells insurance plans and gets paid by insurance companies. Usually the service provided is free.

Answered by Jorge Collado on September 10, 2026

Broker Licensed in FL, AL, AR & 42 other states

Answered by Jorge Collado Medicare Insurance Agent

Carol Conner · Answer

Ship stands for state health insurance program they are state funded anddo not work for insurance carriers and do not make commissions. They can help beneficiaries with objectively looking at Medicare advantage , prescription drug plans, comparing different carrier. SHIP us just another source of assistance for beneficiaries.

Answered by Carol Conner on October 5, 2026

Broker Licensed in TX

Answered by Carol Conner Medicare Insurance Agent

Jonathan Hardy · Answer

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program offers free personalized health insurance counseling. SHIPs also are not connected to a health plan or insurance company whereas a Medicare Broker will be.

Answered by Jonathan Hardy on October 6, 2026

Agent Licensed in VA, AZ, CA & 21 other states

Answered by Jonathan Hardy Medicare Insurance Agent

Elleanor Saylor · Answer

A SHIP counselor is a a member from the local community who helps navigate Medicare. 
A Medicare Broker is a licensed insurance professional who helps you evaluate policy choices and complete enrollments into plans.

What is a SHIP counselor, and how is that different from working with a Medicare broker?

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What is a SHIP counselor, and how is that different from working with a Medicare broker?

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