Senior Health Insurance Program

This section provides information about the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP), which is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. In this section, visitors will find information and resources about applying for Medicare, sites in their area that they can get assistance applying for Medicare and tools for SHIP sites around the State to utilize in serving Medicare beneficiaries.

Note: The information provided in the Fact Sheets was developed to provide consumers with general information and guidance about insurance coverages and laws. It is not intended to provide regulated entities (insurance industry) with a formal, definitive description or interpretation of Department policy. For specific Department policy on any issue, regulated entities (insurance industry) should contact the Department.

To contact SHIP, please call (800) 252-8966 or email AGING.SHIP@illinois.gov.

General Information

NEW! How SHIP Helped Me

Take a look at these testimonials where individuals talk about how the SHIP program's in-person assistance was essential for understanding the complexities of Medicare and making good choices and also how being educated by SHIP helped them save on their health care costs.

*For more information on "How SHIP Helped Me" please visit the website HERE.

Medicare Basics in American Sign Language Videos: