The short answer: Florida has a free, unbiased Medicare help program called SHINE. Trained volunteers will sit down with you, by phone or in person, and help you compare Medicare plans. They do not sell insurance and they do not earn money from your choice. Call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) to get started.
What Is SHINE?
SHINE stands for Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders. It is run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs together with local Area Agencies on Aging. SHINE counselors give free, confidential help to people with Medicare, their families and caregivers. (Source: FloridaSHINE.org.)
SHINE is also Florida's Senior Medicare Patrol, which helps people spot and report Medicare fraud.
What a SHINE Counselor Can Help You With
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and drug plans for 2027
- Understanding your Annual Notice of Change letter
- What to do if your plan is ending
- Checking whether you qualify for help paying Medicare costs, like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement) questions
- Billing problems, claim denials and appeals
- Spotting Medicare scams
Why Now Is the Time
Medicare Open Enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026. SHINE is busiest during these weeks, so call early. Several things are changing for 2027, including a higher cap on drug costs ($2,400) and some Medicare Advantage plans leaving. Read what's changing for 2027 before your appointment.
How to Get Free Help in 4 Steps
- Call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337). This is Florida's Elder Helpline. Ask for SHINE Medicare counseling. You can also find sites and events at FloridaSHINE.org.
- Pick phone or in person. Many libraries and senior centers host SHINE counselors during Open Enrollment.
- Gather what to bring: your Medicare card, your current plan card, your Annual Notice of Change letter, and a list of your medicines with doses. Bring a list of your doctors and your pharmacy, too.
- Ask about savings. Tell the counselor if money is tight. You may qualify for programs that lower your costs.
Free SHINE Sessions and Senior Events This Fall
Here are some free SHINE sessions we confirmed on official library calendars. Always call ahead, since times can change.
- Seminole (Pinellas County): Seminole Community Library, 9200 113th Street. Wednesdays Oct 7, 14, 21 and 28, and Nov 4 and 18, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Appointment required: 727-394-6918.
- Mount Dora (Lake County): W.T. Bland Public Library. Thursdays Oct 8 and Nov 12, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Walk-ins welcome.
- Englewood (Sarasota County): Elsie Quirk Library, 100 W. Dearborn Street. Talk on Medicare Open Enrollment, Wednesday Oct 21, 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Questions: 941-861-1110.
We also list free senior health fairs, caregiver classes, fall prevention workshops, Walk to End Alzheimer's events and Veterans Day parades across Florida. See the full list on our Florida senior events calendar.
Your Local Area Agency on Aging
Florida has 11 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). They can connect you with SHINE and many other free services, such as meals, caregiver support and in-home help. (Source: Florida Department of Elder Affairs.)
- Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton: Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging, (850) 494-7101
- Big Bend and central Panhandle (including Leon, Bay, Jackson, Gadsden, Franklin and nearby counties): Advantage Aging Solutions, (850) 488-0055 or toll-free (866) 467-4624
- North Central Florida (including Alachua, Marion, Citrus, Hernando, Sumter, Lake, Levy, Putnam, Columbia and nearby counties): Elder Options, (352) 378-6649 or toll-free (800) 262-2243
- Baker, Nassau, Duval, Clay, St. Johns, Flagler, Volusia: ElderSource, (904) 391-6600 or toll-free (888) 242-4464
- Pasco, Pinellas: Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, (727) 570-9696
- Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Hardee, Highlands: Senior Connection Center, (813) 740-3888 or toll-free (800) 336-2226
- Seminole, Orange, Osceola, Brevard: Senior Resource Alliance, (407) 514-0019
- Sarasota, DeSoto, Charlotte, Glades, Lee, Hendry, Collier: Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, (239) 652-6900 or toll-free (866) 413-5337
- Indian River, Okeechobee, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach: Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast, (561) 684-5885 or toll-free (866) 684-5885
- Broward: Area Agency on Aging of Broward County, (954) 745-9567
- Miami-Dade, Monroe: Alliance for Aging, (305) 670-6500
Looking for local help beyond Medicare? Browse senior services in your area on our county pages, such as Pinellas County, Lake County and Sarasota County, or search our Florida senior resource directory.
A Word of Caution
Real SHINE counselors will never ask for money and will never pressure you to join a plan. If someone calls you claiming to be from Medicare and asks for your Medicare number, hang up. Learn more in our scam alert for Florida seniors.
If your plan is leaving Medicare next year, read what to do if your Medicare Advantage plan is ending. For the basics, see our guide to Medicare options in Florida.
Where to Get Free Help
- Florida SHINE / Elder Helpline: 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337)
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day
- Medicare Plan Finder: Medicare.gov/plan-compare
- Social Security (for Extra Help with drug costs): 1-800-772-1213
Your Area Agency on Aging can also tell you about Florida's home care for the elderly (HCE) program and other help for seniors who want to stay at home.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, financial, or legal advice. Readers should consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical concerns, a financial advisor for financial planning, and an attorney for legal matters. The resources and programs mentioned are subject to eligibility requirements and availability, which may vary. While we strive for accuracy, the information provided may not reflect the most recent updates. Always verify details with official sources or professionals before making decisions based on this content.