The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a state program funded by the Federal government to provide information, referrals, and counseling to Medicare recipients and their families/caregivers. Specifically, SHIP counselors provide information on Medigap policies, long-term care insurance, Medicare health plan choices, Medicare rights and protections, and assistance with filing an appeal. The programs in each state often have different names but they all have the same purpose. Services may be received on the telephone or in face-to-face counseling sessions. SHIP counselors are available in every state and in several territories. To find a SHIP counselor, go to the Web site listed in the URL field above. On the left side of the page, under "Search by Organization Name" you can select “SHIP - State Health Insurance Assistance Program” and then select a state or territory from the "Choose a State/Territory" option. Inquirers may also ask their doctor, social worker, or pharmacist about eligibility for other programs.