Yes, and it’s good. Colorado runs a program called SHIP, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, through the Division of Insurance. The counselors are free, the conversation is confidential, and they don’t sell anything.
You can reach them at 1-888-696-7213. There’s a Spanish line too, at 303-894-5953. Many counties also have local counselors through senior centers and aging offices, so you can often sit down with someone in person.
They can explain how the parts of Medicare work, help you understand a bill, and tell you whether you might qualify for programs that lower your costs.
So where does a broker fit? We’re also free to you, since the insurance companies pay us, not you. The difference is what we do. SHIP explains your options. A broker can look at the actual plans in your county, see whether your doctors and prescriptions fit each one, and handle the enrollment.
Honestly, using both is a fine idea. Talk to SHIP to get your bearings, then come to us when you’re ready to compare real plans. Our page on Medicare help across Colorado shows how we work.
One timing note. If a supplement plan is on your list, the calendar matters more than anything, so read up on your Medigap window before it closes.