Medicare counseling
Make sense of Medicare, with someone beside you.
Whether you’re enrolling for the first time or have a question about your current coverage, you don’t have to sort through Medicare alone. AgeMaine’s trained State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors can help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
Counseling is free, unbiased, and confidential for older adults and people who have Medicare because of a disability. Our counselors do not sell insurance or recommend policies.
Call 207.396.6524 to schedule an appointment.
“As a counselor, you really want to make sure that people are getting access to the right medications and that you’re making every effort to help them. The client is number one in everything that we're doing.”
New to Medicare?
Our “Welcome to Medicare” seminar explains enrollment and Medicare basics in plain language, helping you prepare to make decisions based on your own situation. It’s interactive, with time for small-group discussion and individual questions.
The seminar is offered on Zoom, and preregistration is required.
If you can’t attend a seminar right now, explore the Medicare resources below at your own pace.
Talk with a Medicare counselor
Bring your questions about enrollment or coverage. Our certified SHIP counselors, including trained volunteers, offer individual appointments by phone, Zoom, and in person at select, limited locations.
Call 207.396.6524 to schedule an appointment.
Have a specific question? Submit your Medicare question online, and we’ll reply by email.
Help with Medicare costs
Programs are available to help with the cost of Medicare coverage. The benefits checklist and tools in the resources below can help you see whether you may qualify for financial assistance.
If you’re eligible for the Medicare Savings Program or MaineCare, you can apply online. For help completing an application, call an AgeMaine Resource Specialist at 207.396.6500.
Medicare resources
Find information and tools to help you understand Medicare, compare coverage, and explore help with costs.
Getting started with Medicare
Welcome to Medicare presentation slides
Review the slides from our Welcome to Medicare seminar at your own pace.Get started with Medicare
Learn about enrollment and the steps to take when you’re new to Medicare.Parts of Medicare
Understand the different parts of Medicare and what they cover.Medicare & You handbook
Find an overview of Medicare benefits, coverage options, rights, and protections.SHIP counselors and services
Learn more about Maine’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
Comparing plans and understanding drug costs
Medicare Plan Finder
Compare Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plans based on your needs and coverage area.Medicare Open Enrollment Information
Review information about Medicare open enrollment.2026 Preparing for Open Enrollment slides
Revisit the slides from our presentation on preparing for open enrollment.Maine Medicare Supplement Rates
Review rate information for Medicare Supplement insurance in Maine.A Consumer’s Guide to Medicare Supplement Insurance
Learn about Medicare Supplement insurance and what to consider when comparing policies.
Finding help with Medicare costs
Understanding Medicare costs and finding help
What does Medicare cost?
Learn about Medicare premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs.Medicare Savings Program
Learn about a program that may help pay Medicare costs.Benefits checklist – 2024
Review programs that may help with Medicare costs and other expenses.BenefitsCheckUp
Use the National Council on Aging’s free tool to explore benefits and savings programs available in your area.