Glossary
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
A free, unbiased Medicare counseling program funded by CMS and administered by states.
Also known as: SHIP, state Medicare counseling
Quick answer
SHIPs provide one-on-one Medicare counseling — including plan comparisons, appeals help, and Extra Help applications — at no cost to the beneficiary.
Why it matters
SHIP counselors do not sell plans, do not earn commissions, and can be an unbiased second opinion next to a licensed broker.
When you'll encounter it
Initial Medicare decisions, annual plan reviews, claims disputes, or appeals.
Impact on Medicare
Counseling only — no enrollment authority.
Impact on TRICARE For Life
Counselors familiar with TFL can help you avoid duplicate coverage.
What should I do?
- 1Find your state SHIP via shiphelp.org.
- 2Use SHIP for second opinions during AEP.
- 3Combine SHIP guidance with a TRICARE-knowledgeable broker.
Continue learning
— suggested by the knowledge graph- Enrolling in Medicare: timing, methods, and the military-specific rulesWhen and how to sign up for Medicare Parts A and B — and the timing that protects your TRICARE For Life activation.
- What is Medicare? A complete overview for retired militaryA plain-English, handbook-grounded overview of the federal health insurance program for people 65 and older, written specifically for retired service members and their families.
- Understanding Original Medicare (Parts A & B) for veteransExactly what Part A and Part B cover, what they cost in 2026, and why both are required to keep TRICARE For Life.
- CoinsuranceYour percentage share of a covered service — typically 20% under Medicare Part B.
- Copayment (Copay)A flat dollar amount you pay for a covered service, such as $20 for a doctor visit.
- DeductibleThe amount you must pay out-of-pocket for covered services before your insurance starts paying.
- Dual Eligible (Medicare & Medicaid)People enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid — Medicaid pays Medicare premiums and cost-sharing, and may cover services Medicare does not.
- Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy / LIS)A federal program that helps pay Part D premiums, deductibles, and copays for beneficiaries with limited income and assets.
- Prior AuthorizationA plan's requirement that a provider get approval before delivering certain services or medications.
- Provider NetworkThe list of doctors, hospitals, and facilities that contract with an insurance plan.
- Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI)An MSP that pays the Part A premium for working disabled individuals under 65 who lost premium-free Part A due to returning to work.
- Can my state help pay my Part B premium?If your income is low enough, yes. Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) pay the Part B premium for qualifying beneficiaries. Apply through your state Medicaid office.
- How much does Medicare Part B cost?Most people pay the standard Part B premium (roughly $185/month in 2026). Higher-income retirees pay IRMAA on top. Lower-income retirees may qualify for help paying it.
- Is there an enrollment fee for TRICARE For Life?No. TFL has no enrollment fee and no monthly premium. The only premium you pay is for Medicare Part B.
- Does TFL cover home health care?Yes, when a doctor certifies it's medically necessary and you're homebound. Medicare pays first; TFL covers any remaining cost-shares.
- What is Extra Help and do I need it on TFL?Extra Help (LIS) lowers Part D drug costs for low-income beneficiaries. TFL beneficiaries usually don't need it because TRICARE Pharmacy is already very low cost — unless you also enroll in a Part D plan.
Related glossary terms
Related Official Resources
Continue learning straight from the source. Every link below goes to an official government or DoD resource.
Last reviewed January 2026 against the 2026 Medicare & You and TRICARE For Life handbooks.