The Benefits Counseling Team provides free and unbiased help with Medicare. Assistance is available to anyone eligible for Medicare, regardless of age, and their caregivers. The program is sometimes called the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) or the Texas Health Information Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP). Benefits Counselors can assist with:

  • Medicare Parts A and B

  • Part C Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Part D Prescription Drug Plans

  • Medigap Plans/ Medicare Supplement Insurance

  • Medicare enrollment periods

  • Low-income assistance programs

  • Prescription assistance

  • Medicare appeals

  • Working past 65

  • Medicare’s Coordination with Other Benefits (including V.A Benefits, TriCare, CHAMPVA, TRS, FEHB, ERS, COBRA, and Active Employer Coverage)

  • Long-term care insurance

Monthly Benefits Check-Up Days in Your Community

Receive free and unbiased Medicare help in your community! A certified Benefits Counselor is on location monthly at these sites for in-person assistance.

Mamie George Community Center

1111 Collins Rd.
Richmond, TX 77469

1st Tuesday of every month, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Walk-in Appointments

El Campo Branch Library

200 W. Church St.
El Campo, TX 77437

3rd Thursday of every month, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Walk-in Appointments

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - Angleton

140 E. Hospital Dr
Angleton, TX 77515

4th Monday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Call 979-848-9120 for an Appointment

Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) - Galveston

1200 Market
Galveston, TX 77550

2nd Thursday of every month
Medicare 101 from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
One on one appointments from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Call 409-763-5604 for an Appointment

Actions, Inc.

1524 E. Mulberry St. #135
Angleton, TX 77515

4th Wednesday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Call 979-849-6132 for an Appointment

Brazoria County Dream Center

792 Brazosport Blvd. S
Clute, TX 77531

3rd Thursday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Dayton Retirement Center

1900 N Winfree St.
Dayton, TX 77535

2nd Wednesday of every month, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Walk-in Appointments

Brazoria County Dream Center

792 Brazosport Blvd. S
Clute, TX 77531

3rd Thursday of every month, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Wharton County Library

1920 N. Fulton St
Wharton, TX 77488

1st Thursday of every month, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Walk-in Appointments

Please note that these dates are subject to change based on holidays and inclement weather.

If you would like to host a Benefits Check-Up Day at your community agency or would like us to present on Medicare-related topics at an educational event, please contact us at 1-800-437-7396 and ask to speak to a Benefits Counselor.

Help with Medicare Costs

There are assistance programs to help lower Medicare costs, such as prescription copays, Part B premiums, and more. The Benefits Counseling team helps individuals apply for these assistance programs if they seem eligible. Even if an individual does not qualify for an assistance program, a Benefits Counselor can review current coverage and assist with other resources, such as pharmaceutical assistance programs.

Helpful Links

Medicare Plan Finder
Rx Assist
NeedyMeds
GoodRx
NCOA Benefits Check-Up

Legal Assistance

The Benefits Counseling Team also works with legal agencies such as Texas Legal Services Center and the Elder Justice Project to provide some legal assistance services for individuals age 60 and older. Benefits Counselors can provide legal assistance on:

  • Long-term care Medicaid eligibility

  • Qualified Income Trust (QIT) assistance

  • Advance directives (such as durable and medical power of attorney forms) information, assistance, and referrals to local legal aid organizations