Federal jurisdiction
The Administration for Community Living (ACL) is an operating division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. It works through state, tribal, local, and community networks rather than serving as the eligibility office for every program it supports.
What ACL manages or funds
- Programs and service networks for older adults, people with disabilities, families, and caregivers.
- The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which offers local Medicare information, counseling, and enrollment assistance.
- Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act outreach that helps connect eligible people with Medicare cost assistance.
- Research, education, innovation, and grants related to independent and community living.
How SHIP can help
SHIPs are state programs receiving federal funding to provide free, personalized Medicare counseling. They are not connected to an insurance company or health plan. A local counselor can explain Medicare enrollment, coverage, costs, appeals, and assistance programs and can help you identify the correct application office.
What ACL and SHIP do not decide
- ACL does not decide an individual Medicare Savings Program or Medicaid application.
- A SHIP counselor does not replace the state Medicaid agency that determines eligibility.
- ACL does not process Medicare claims or enroll people in Part A and Part B.
- ACL and SHIP do not guarantee benefit approval or a particular plan outcome.
Find the correct service
- For a Medicare Savings Program, apply through the official state or territory Medicaid agency.
- For Medicare Part A or Part B enrollment, begin with Social Security unless the Railroad Retirement Board handles your record.
- For unbiased local Medicare counseling, use Medicare.gov or the ACL-supported SHIP locator.
Official sources
- Administration for Community Living — mission and priorities
- ACL — State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- Medicare.gov — SHIP counseling and Medicare rights
- ACL-supported SHIP locator