Do you need help with Medicare?
Download or view the new 2026 "Medicare & You" handbook
Get ready for Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7), and learn about all of your available options.
This page has information about our agency’s mission and programs. To get help enrolling in Medicare, please visit our resource site GetCareSC.com.
Our Programs
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers free, one-on-one insurance counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. SHIP is a grant-funded project of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Administration for Community Living (ACL).
What SHIP Counselors Do:
- Answer questions about Medicare benefits and coverage.
- Help compare and enroll in Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Prescription Drug (Part D) plans.
- Provide guidance on Medigap (Supplemental) policies and how retiree insurance works with Medicare.
- Assist with Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, and Low-Income Subsidies.
- Help resolve billing problems, explain appeal rights, and connect people with low-income assistance programs.
Why SHIP Matters in South Carolina:
- SHIP’s assist beneficiaries in choosing from 38 Medicare Advantage plans and 11 Part D Prescription Drug Plans, plus multiple Medigap options.
- Referrals come from Social Security, CMS, Medicare plans, and elected officials who rely on SHIP’s expertise.
For more information or to volunteer: Call the South Carolina Department on Aging at 1-800-868-9095 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP)
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) helps Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, errors, and abuse. SMP is also a grant-funded project of HHS and ACL, with more than 5,000 volunteers nationwide.
How SMP Works:
- Outreach & Education: Provides presentations, community events, and one-on-one support.
- Volunteer Engagement: Volunteers help protect older adults’ health, finances, and Medicare identity.
- Beneficiary Complaints: Investigates concerns of possible fraud or abuse and refers cases to state and federal agencies for follow-up.
For more information or to volunteer: Call the South Carolina Department on Aging at 1-800-868-9095 or contact your local Area Agency on Aging.