Is SHINE really free?

Yes. SHINE is a free service of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The counselors are trained volunteers who don't sell insurance and have nothing to gain from your choice.

What can a SHINE counselor help me with?

Understanding Medicare, comparing drug and Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap basics, appealing a denied claim, spotting fraud, and finding programs that lower costs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.

How do I reach SHINE on the Nature Coast?

Call 1-800-963-5337 and ask for SHINE, or in Citrus and Hernando call Elder Options at 1-800-262-2243. Counseling is by phone and at local sites.

When is Medicare Open Enrollment?

October 15 to December 7 each year. That's when you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, with changes starting January 1. It's a good time for a free SHINE check.

Home › Care at home › Free Medicare counseling (SHINE)

SHINE: free Medicare counseling on the Nature Coast

Medicare is confusing, and the plans change every year. SHINE is a free state program that helps you sort it out, one on one, with someone who has nothing to sell you. Here's what it does and how to reach it.

Last reviewed: August 8, 2026

The short version:

SHINE gives free, unbiased Medicare help from trained volunteers. They don't sell anything.
They help you compare drug and Medicare Advantage plans, fix denied claims, and find programs that lower your costs.
It's free for anyone on Medicare or coming up on it, and for family and caregivers.
Call the Elder Helpline and ask for SHINE: statewide 1-800-963-5337, or Citrus & Hernando 1-800-262-2243.

Common questions

Is SHINE really free?: Yes. SHINE is a free service of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. The counselors are trained volunteers who don't sell insurance and have nothing to gain from your choice.
What can a SHINE counselor help me with?: Understanding Medicare, comparing drug and Medicare Advantage plans, Medigap basics, appealing a denied claim, spotting fraud, and finding programs that lower costs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.
How do I reach SHINE on the Nature Coast?: Call 1-800-963-5337 and ask for SHINE, or in Citrus and Hernando call Elder Options at 1-800-262-2243. Counseling is by phone and at local sites.
When is Medicare Open Enrollment?: October 15 to December 7 each year. That's when you can join, drop, or switch a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, with changes starting January 1. It's a good time for a free SHINE check.

What is SHINE?

SHINE stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. It's Florida's free Medicare help program, run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs together with the local Area Agencies on Aging. The help is free, private, and one on one, from specially trained volunteers.

Here's the part that matters most: SHINE counselors are not tied to any insurance company. They don't sell or push any plan. Their only job is to help you understand your choices, which is a real difference from a salesperson or a TV ad.

What can SHINE help you with?

Understanding the parts of Medicare: Part A (hospital), Part B (doctor and outpatient), Part C (Medicare Advantage, the private all-in-one plans), and Part D (drug coverage).
Comparing drug plans (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans so you pick one that covers your medicines and doctors.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) basics, the private insurance that helps pay what Original Medicare leaves to you.
Appeals and billing problems, like a service or drug that was denied.
Finding help paying if money is tight: Extra Help (lowers drug costs) and Medicare Savings Programs (help pay your Part A and Part B premiums).
Spotting Medicare fraud and scams, through the related Senior Medicare Patrol.

Who is it for, and what does it cost?

SHINE is for anyone on Medicare or approaching it, and for the family members and caregivers who help them. The service is completely free, and the counselors are unbiased volunteers who don't sell insurance.

When should you use it?

Any time you have a Medicare question. But the big one is Medicare Open Enrollment, October 15 to December 7, when you can switch your drug or Medicare Advantage plan for the coming year. Plans change their prices, drug lists, and doctor networks every year, so a free yearly check with SHINE can catch a change that would otherwise cost you. Changes you make take effect January 1.

A quick SHINE call before December 7 each year is one of the easiest ways to make sure you're not overpaying for the wrong plan.

How to reach SHINE on the Nature Coast

Call the Elder Helpline and ask for a SHINE counselor. Counseling happens by phone and at local sites.

Where you live	Who runs SHINE	Call
Anywhere in Florida	Florida SHINE (Department of Elder Affairs)	1-800-963-5337
Citrus & Hernando	Elder Options (regional Area Agency on Aging)	1-800-262-2243
Pasco	Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas	1-800-963-5337

Sources

Florida Department of Elder Affairs -- SHINE and Open Enrollment help. https://elderaffairs.org/
Elder Options (Area Agency on Aging) -- SHINE / Medicare assistance (Citrus & Hernando). https://agingresources.org/services/shine/
Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas -- Medicare counseling. https://agingcarefl.org/
Medicare -- Extra Help with drug costs. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
Medicare -- Medicare Savings Programs. https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs
Medicare -- joining a plan (Open Enrollment Oct 15 - Dec 7). https://www.medicare.gov/basics/get-started-with-medicare/get-more-coverage/joining-a-plan

Please read: Nature Coast Senior Home is an independent guide. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with Medicare, SHINE, or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. This page is general information, not insurance, medical, or legal advice. Program details change. Confirm current details with SHINE or the official source before you rely on them. We don't collect or sell your information.