The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to New Jersey Medicare beneficiaries with problems or questions about their health insurance. SHIP is a state program administered by the New Jersey Department of Human Services with financial assistance through a grant from the United States Administration for Community Living.

Medicare beneficiaries often have questions about benefits, claims, and supplemental policies (known as Medigaps). Volunteer counselors, trained in areas of health insurance coverage and benefits affecting Medicare beneficiaries, provide information and assistance in handling claims and evaluating health insurance options.

Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company, or plan. They provide information and assistance so that you can make your own decisions. The advice is free.

The SHIP is committed to continuing to provide Medicare counseling services during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We have found safe, creative, and social distancing solutions to help you. SHIP counseling appointments are now held virtually, over the phone, or with the help of other technology. To schedule your virtual appointment, contact the lead counseling agency in your area or call your county Office of Aging.