Where to get free, unbiased Medicare help (and how to spot a scam)

Your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)

Every state has a SHIP, a free counseling program funded by federal grants and run by state agencies, often with trained local volunteers. SHIP counselors don't sell insurance or earn commissions. They can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Part D plans, understand Medigap, apply for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program, and sort out billing problems or denied claims.

Some states use a different name for their SHIP, such as SHINE or HICAP. You can find yours at shiphelp.org. Counseling is available by phone and, in many areas, in person. Fall is the busiest time, so book early in Open Enrollment.

1-800-MEDICARE

Medicare's own help line, 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048), is open 24 hours a day, except some federal holidays. Representatives can explain your options, help you join a plan, tell you your level of Extra Help, and help fix problems with a plan.

Medicare's Plan Finder

The Plan Finder on Medicare.gov shows the Medicare Advantage and Part D plans in your ZIP code. If you enter your drugs and pharmacy, it estimates your total yearly cost for each plan, which is a better guide than the premium alone. It also shows each plan's star rating.

Agents and brokers

Licensed agents can be helpful, and you don't pay them directly; plans pay their commissions. But many agents represent only some companies, so ask how many plans they offer in your area. You never have to make a decision on the first call, and an agent can't make you change plans.

What to have ready before you call

Counselors can help faster if you have a few things on hand: your red, white and blue Medicare card, a list of your prescriptions with doses, the names of your doctors and pharmacy, your current plan's Annual Notice of Change, and a rough idea of your monthly income if you might qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program. If a family member helps you, you can give the counselor permission to talk with them.

Red flags of a Medicare scam

Treat your Medicare number like a credit card number. Check your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits for services you never got. If you think you've been targeted, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Your state's Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program also helps people spot and report fraud.

• Someone calls, texts or emails you first, says they're from Medicare and asks for your Medicare number. Medicare won't do that.
• A caller offers free medical equipment, genetic tests or "new Medicare cards" in exchange for your number.
• Pressure to decide right now, or threats that you'll lose benefits.
• Ads promising a bigger Social Security check or cash back just for switching plans.