Medicare & Insurance Counseling
Free, unbiased, confidential help with Medicare — from trained counselors who never sell insurance.
What Is I-CARE?
I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referral for Elders) is South Carolina’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It provides free, one-on-one counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries and their families understand their coverage, compare options, and access cost-saving programs.
What We Help With
- Medicare Basics: Explaining Parts A, B, C, and D; enrollment periods; penalties
- Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare: Comparing options so you can choose what fits your needs
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement): Understanding policies, coverage gaps, and open enrollment rights
- Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D): Comparing plans, formularies, and pharmacies in your area
- Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy): Helping you apply for assistance with prescription drug costs
- Medicare Savings Programs: Determining if you qualify for state help with premiums and cost-sharing
- Medicare Fraud: Teaching you how to spot and report scams, billing errors, and identity theft
- Appeals: Guidance on Medicare denials and the appeals process
Who Can Receive Counseling?
- Medicare beneficiaries of any age
- Family members and caregivers assisting with Medicare decisions
- Individuals approaching Medicare eligibility (typically age 64 and turning 65)
- People under 65 with disabilities who qualify for Medicare
How Counseling Works
- Schedule an appointment. Contact us to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be in-person or virtual.
- Gather your materials. Bring or have ready your Medicare card, list of current medications, and any insurance policies you want to review.
- Meet with a counselor. A trained, certified volunteer will review your situation, answer questions, and explain your options in plain language.
- Make an informed decision. You are never pressured to choose a particular plan. The counselor provides unbiased information so you can decide what is best for you.
Cost & Value
There is absolutely no charge for I-CARE counseling. There is no selling of insurance involved. This service is funded through the federal Older Americans Act and the South Carolina Department on Aging to ensure every beneficiary has access to objective guidance.
Counselor Credentials
Our counselors complete rigorous training on Medicare rules, plan comparisons, and ethics. They are recertified annually and operate under strict guidelines that prohibit them from selling, recommending, or endorsing any insurance product or company.
When Should You Contact Us?
- You are turning 65 and need to enroll in Medicare
- It is Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) and you want to review your current plan
- You received a letter about Medicare changes and don’t understand it
- You cannot afford your prescription medications
- You suspect a Medicare billing error or fraud
- You are moving and need to change your Medicare plan
- You are retiring and losing employer coverage
- You have been diagnosed with a serious illness and need to understand coverage for new treatments
Spanish-Language Counseling
Se habla español. Spanish-speaking counselors and interpreter services are available by appointment. Contact us and request asistencia en español.
Related Programs
Many people who use Medicare counseling also benefit from:
- Information & Referral — For help with Medicaid, SNAP, utility assistance, and other benefits
- Family Caregiver Support — If you are caring for a Medicare beneficiary at home
- Advance Directives & Legal — For healthcare power of attorney and living will guidance