Understanding SHIP and Medicare with Guidance from Age Well

Last updated on November 14th, 2025 at 12:06 pm

Need help navigating health insurance? Are you approaching Medicare eligibility or supporting a loved one who receives Medicare benefits? If so, Age Well’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is here to help.

What Is SHIP?

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, confidential, and unbiased counseling to help Vermonters understand their Medicare options and make informed healthcare decisions. 

Whether you’re newly eligible or have been enrolled for years, SHIP ensures you don’t have to navigate complex choices alone. Our trained SHIP counselors offer one-on-one support so you can feel confident about your coverage—without overpaying or missing out on benefits.

Why It Matters

Medicare can be confusing. With Parts A, B, C, and D—plus supplemental coverage, enrollment deadlines, and fraud concerns—it’s no surprise that many people feel overwhelmed.

SHIP gives aging Vermonters the tools and guidance they need to make smart, informed decisions about their health coverage and financial well-being. 

Why Is SHIP Important?

During last year’s Medicare Open Enrollment period, Age Well’s SHIP team had a powerful impact across our community. Here’s a snapshot of what they accomplished: 

• 8,258 inquiries supported through our Helpline 
• 784 referrals made — averaging 32 per day (a 91% increase from last year!) 
• 76% of those served were first-time callers 
• $883,000 in total cost savings for Medicare recipients 

For many individuals, the guidance they received was truly transformative! 

Who Is Eligible for SHIP Services? 

SHIP is designed to support: 

• Individuals 65 years and older 
• Younger adults with disabilities 
• Those with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) 
• Caregivers and family members helping loved ones navigate Medicare 

Medicare: A Quick Overview 

Medicare is a federal health insurance program, divided into four parts: 

• Part A – Hospital Insurance 
• Part B – Medical Insurance 
• Part C – Medicare Advantage (plans from private insurers) 
• Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage 

When you first enroll or during open enrollment, you can choose between Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan. If this sounds overwhelming, you’re not alone—and that’s exactly why SHIP exists. 

How Age Well Helps with Medicare Planning

Through SHIP, Age Well offers personalized support to help you: 

• Understand your Medicare eligibility 
• Compare and choose the right plan options 
• Identify potential cost savings 
• Recognize and avoid Medicare scams and fraud 
• Connect with additional financial or healthcare resources 

Mark Your Calendar: 2025 Medicare Open Enrollment 

The next open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025. During this time, you can: 

• Enroll in Medicare for the first time 
• Change your current coverage 
• Switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage 
• Update or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan 

In addition to one-on-one support from our Medicare SHIP counselors, Age Well also offers free online classes to help you feel confident about your choices.

New to Medicare: A Simple Guide to Getting Started is a 1.5-hour virtual class for anyone preparing to enroll. You’ll learn the basics of Medicare, the different parts of coverage, and what steps to take next.

We’re also offering a special Medicare Open Enrollment class to guide you through your options during this important period.

Both classes are held online, so you can join from home and get clear answers from people you can trust.

Let Age Well Help 

You don’t have to figure it all out alone. Age Well’s SHIP professional counselors are ready to help you navigate Medicare with confidence, compassion, and clarity. 

Call the Age Well Helpline: 1-800-642-5119 and learn more online: agewellvt.org/services/medicare-counseling 

Know someone who could use this information? Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and loved ones. 

Together, we can ensure all Vermonters have access to the Medicare support they need.