By Qamar S, 15 years in US medical billing · Last reviewed October 31, 2026
Free, unbiased help exists in every state, but most people never hear about it. Pick your state to see where to enroll, who gives free Medicare counseling, where to complain about an insurer, and where to get help with medical debt.
All of these services are free. Government programs never charge you to enroll. Be wary of anyone who asks for a fee or your Medicare number on an unexpected call.
Free help most people don’t know about
- SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program): trained, unbiased Medicare counselors in every state. They don’t sell plans.
- Marketplace navigators and assisters: free, certified helpers for HealthCare.gov and state marketplaces.
- Your state insurance department: files complaints against insurers for unfair denials and can pressure them to fix errors.
- Legal aid: free lawyers for people with low incomes, including help with medical debt lawsuits.
- Community health centers: primary, dental and mental health care with fees based on income.
From 15 years in billing: a complaint to the state insurance department gets an insurer’s attention in a way phone calls don’t. If your appeal is stuck or ignored, file one. It’s free and takes about 15 minutes online.
Frequently asked questions
Is there free help choosing a Medicare plan?
Yes. Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with free, unbiased Medicare counselors. Call 1-877-839-2675 or visit shiphelp.org.
Who do I complain to if my health insurance company won’t pay?
First file an appeal with the insurer. If that doesn’t work, file a complaint with your state insurance department. For job-based plans that are self-funded, the U.S. Department of Labor (EBSA) handles complaints.
Which states run their own health insurance marketplace?
For 2027, California, Colorado, Connecticut, DC, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington run their own. Other states use HealthCare.gov.
Sources: HealthCare.gov: The Marketplace in your state · healthinsurance.org: State exchange types · SHIP National Technical Assistance Center · NAIC: State insurance departments
This tool is educational and is not legal, financial or insurance advice. MedBillGuide is not connected to Medicare, CMS or any government agency, and we do not sell insurance. See our Disclaimer.