DC SHIP — Free Medicare Counseling for District Seniors
DC SHIP is the District's free, unbiased Medicare counseling program. It's funded federally through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and hosted locally by the Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL). Counselors help with Medicare plan choices, cost questions, and benefit enrollment — and they don't sell insurance or take commissions.
What SHIP Counselors Can Help With
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare options
- Choosing a Part D prescription drug plan
- Understanding Medicare Savings Program eligibility (QMB, the DC expansion to 300% FPL)
- Navigating Extra Help / Low-Income Subsidy enrollment
- Resolving billing disputes and explaining coverage notices
- Reviewing Medigap (Medicare Supplement) options
SHIP counselors are particularly valuable for Part D plan selection. Once your parent qualifies for QMB and gets automatic Extra Help, SHIP can identify which benchmark Part D plans carry a $0 premium — making the drug coverage truly free.
How to Reach DC SHIP
- Phone: (202) 727-8370
- Email: [email protected]
- Location: 500 K Street NE, Washington, DC 20002 (DACL offices)
Counseling is available year-round, but demand spikes during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7). During that window, expect longer wait times. If your parent's issue is QMB eligibility rather than plan selection, calling outside of Open Enrollment season will get a faster appointment.
What SHIP Can't Do
SHIP counselors provide education and guidance, not ongoing case management. They can't:
- Manage your parent's District Direct account or fix portal errors
- Track ESA application status or chase caseworkers on your parent's behalf
- Represent your parent at an OAH fair hearing
- Provide legal advice on appeals or billing disputes that need attorney involvement
For those needs, Legal Counsel for the Elderly at (202) 434-2120 or Legal Aid DC at (202) 628-1161 handles legal representation. For portal and application issues, ESA's Public Benefits Call Center at (202) 727-5355 is the direct line.
Free Download
Get the District of Columbia — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist
Everything in this article as a printable checklist — plus action plans and reference guides you can start using today.
Preparing for a SHIP Appointment
Maximize the session by bringing:
- Your parent's Medicare card (or Medicare number)
- A list of current prescription medications with dosages
- Current income information (SSA-1099 or benefit statements)
- Any ESA notices or denial letters
- A list of your parent's current doctors
The counselor can screen for QMB eligibility during the visit and, if your parent qualifies, explain how the automatic Extra Help integration affects Part D plan choice.
SHIP Plus the Complete Guide
DC SHIP provides free expert advice. The DC Medicare Savings Programs & Extra Help Guide complements that by providing a structured preparation checklist for SHIP appointments, the full QMB application process, and tools that help your parent stay organized between counseling sessions.
Get Your Free District of Columbia — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist
Download the District of Columbia — Medicare Savings Program Eligibility Checklist — a printable guide with checklists, scripts, and action plans you can start using today.