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Who can help me choose a Medicare plan?
Medically reviewed by Oluwatoyin Kuloyo, Pharm.D., BCPS — Written by Faye Stewart on July 16, 2025
Organizations such as State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) can help a person choose a Medicare plan specific to their needs. Alternatively, brokers and insurance agents can offer advice.
Healthcare costs become an important part of financial planning, and as people age, the costs can become much higher.
Individuals typically become eligible for Medicare when they reach age 65 years, although they can qualify earlier if they have specific health conditions.
A person typically starts preparing for Medicare before they become eligible, and choosing the right plan is vital.
Who to speak with about Medicare plans
Data from 2024 suggests that healthy 65-year-old male retirees have estimated healthcare costs of $281,000 in 2024. It also states that healthy female retirees of the same age have estimated healthcare expenses of $320,000 during their retirement.
The right Medicare plan is essential to managing these costs, and different tools and organizations can help individuals make the right choice for their situation.
Contacting an agent via Medicare
A person can speak with a Medicare agent by calling 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).
These representatives can answer any questions about Medicare plans and help people determine whether Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan may suit their needs more.
Medicare’s plan finder
The Medicare plan finder provides different plan information based on a person’s location.
Individuals can browse the options available in their own time and even enroll online once they have decided.
Brokers and insurance agents
Brokers and insurance agents will be able to offer advice on Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare brokers typically work with several different insurers and will likely have a wide range of plans and benefits to discuss. However, their recommendations may favor insurers that offer greater commissions.
Insurance agents can help people choose between Medicare Advantage plans, although they generally only work for specific insurers. If a person has a preference for a specific company, an agent may be able to help them choose the right plan with that insurer.
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Help to choose a Medicare plan
The following organizations can help a person with their Medicare decisions.
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs)
SHIPs provide free and impartial advice, counseling, and assistance to people new to Medicare, their families, and caregivers.
SHIPs do not offer Medicare or Medicare Advantage plans themselves, but they can offer advice in any U.S. state. Certified SHIP counselors can help individuals with:
- familiarizing themselves with their healthcare options, such as which specific insurance benefits they need
- understanding the basics of Medicare, including determining whether they are eligible
- getting to know the types of out-of-pocket costs they can expect
- understanding their rights regarding Medicare coverage
- contacting agencies that can provide more generalized help
- managing medical complaints
- understanding Medicare billing
A person can visit their regional SHIP office or call SHIP at 877-839-2675 for further information.
State-specific help
Other Medicare advice services may be available in a person’s state.
An example of this is My Care, My Choice, which is an online tool for people eligible for Medicare and Medicaid in California, Illinois, Michigan, and Ohio.
The service can help individuals understand their coverage options and how Medicare and Medicaid can work together.
People can access the My Care, My Choice website and select their state for specific information.
Medicare questions
The following are some questions that can help start a discussion about Medicare coverage:
- What services might someone need now and in the future?
- What budget does someone need for monthly premiums and other out-of-pocket expenses, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance?
- Does a person need coverage for prescription medications, or might they need it in the future?
- Does a person have any existing insurance that will cover some of the services Medicare does not?
- Will they be happy to visit specific healthcare professionals and facilities, or would they prefer the freedom to choose who they visit?
- Will they need coverage in multiple states or throughout the U.S.?
- Will they require international coverage?
- Does a person want to pay lower premiums if they have a higher deductible?
- Would they prefer to pay higher premiums with a lower deductible?
Summary
Planning for future healthcare needs is important, and factoring in Medicare costs can be an effective financial strategy.
There are many ways to research all of the Medicare options, but there are also people, places, and organizations that can help.
Using insurance agents, brokers, or other more unbiased services can help you understand the information, choose a plan, and ensure you get the coverage you need.
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