DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Free, unbiased Medicare counseling in District of Columbia. Trained counselors go through your costs and choices with you, and they don't sell plans.
Free Medicare counseling
DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP): free Medicare counseling in District of Columbia
The DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program, called SHIP, gives free Medicare information, counseling, education and help. The DC Department of Aging and Community Living runs it.
You can call or visit the SHIP office on E Street SW.
How to apply in District of Columbia
- By phone
- 202-727-8370
- In person
- Visit the SHIP office at 250 E Street SW, Washington, DC 20024. It is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Who may qualify in District of Columbia
| Who may get help | Anyone with Medicare, and their family and caregivers |
|---|
Good to know
- There is no cost to use SHIP services.
- The SHIP email address is ship.dacl@dc.gov. The TTY line is 711.
- The SHIP National Technical Assistance Center lists this program as the state's SHIP.
Sources: DC Department of Aging and Community Living (source 1), SHIP National Technical Assistance Center (source 4)
Free help
Free help with this in District of Columbia
Department of Aging and Community Living (DACL)
Your local Area Agency on Aging can help with meals, rides, help at home, caregiver support and applying for benefits.
More help in District of Columbia
Free Medicare counseling in another state
- Alabama
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Sources
- DC Department of Aging and Community Living, Health Insurance Counseling (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- Administration for Community Living, State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) (official government site). Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, About SHIPs. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
- SHIP National Technical Assistance Center, District Of Columbia SHIP. Checked Oct 28, 2026.
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