The Benefits Counseling Team (also called SHIP / Texas HICAP) provides free and unbiased help with Medicare and helps individuals apply for assistance programs that lower Medicare costs; counselors can also provide legal assistance on long-term care Medicaid eligibility, Qualified Income Trust (QIT) assistance, and advance directives, plus referrals to local legal aid organizations.
How to start
Call 1-800-437-7396 to schedule an appointment with a Benefits Counselor; counselors also hold monthly Benefits Check-Up Days at community sites in the region.
- Counties served
- Brazoria, Fort Bend, Galveston, Liberty, Montgomery
- Payers listed by the source
- Free
Source-checked Oct 22, 2026
Availability not confirmed
Contact the organization to confirm current availability and eligibility.
Source: Houston-Galveston Area Council — Medicare Benefits Counseling page · 2026
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