The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP,  is a volunteer-based program that provides free, unbiased and factual information and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers with health and drug plans. SHIP helps people with Medicare understand their benefits and make informed decisions about health care options.

• SHIP counseling services are free.
• SHIP provides non-biased opinions.
• SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company.
• SHIP does not sell or solicit any type of insurance.
• SHIP counselors can help people with Medicare understand their health plan choices, enroll in a Medicare plan that meets their needs, review Medicare Summary Notice(s), review Explanation of Benefits, sort through medical bills and assist in filing Medicare claims and appeals, help people apply for financial assistance programs to reduce Medicare out-of-pocket expenses

Local assistance is available for health insurance related issues including Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug assistance programs, financial assistance programs and long-term care insurance.

SHIP is a public-private partnership, administered by the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) Division of Aging Services (DAS).

For more information please contact SHIP at 706-549-4850 or to find upcoming events check out our Facebook. You may also reach the SHIP office at 1-866-55-AGING or learn more at the Georgia SHIP website.

Medicare Resources

While we hope you will find the resources below helpful, we understand each person’s situation is unique. If you would like individualized, unbiased counseling and assistance regarding Medicare, please contact the Georgia SHIP program at ACCA and we’ll be happy to help you! You can reach us by phone, 706-549-4850, or email lplatter@accaging.org.

2026 Medicare & You Handbook

This is the official U.S. government Medicare Handbook from the Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Service. This guide is updated each year. If you would like a paper copy of this handbook please call the Georgia SHIP program at 706-549-4850 or email lplatter@accaging.org.

Georgia SHIP Supplemental Benefits Fact Sheet

This guide lists screenings and/or tests that are free if you have Original Medicare and if the doctor or other qualified health care provider accepts assignment. If you are in a Medicare advantage Plan your cost may be different. If you have questions about preventative service coverage we are happy to help! You can reach us by phone, 706-549-4850, or email lplatter@accaging.org.

Georgia SHIP Integrated Care Fact Sheet

It is important that you consider your options when choosing a prescription drug plan once you become eligible for Medicare. If you would like individualized, unbiased assistance in choosing and enrolling in a prescription plan we are here to help! Please call the Georgia SHIP program at 706-549-4850 or email lplatter@accaging.org.

This program is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $103,300 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.