How to Get Free SHINE Medicare Counseling in Alachua County
Talk with a free, unbiased Medicare counselor before changing coverage or responding to a Medicare notice.
Start here
Call the Elder Options Helpline at 800-262-2243 or SHINE at 352-692-5209 to request an appointment. Alachua County also has scheduled walk-in counseling sites.
Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; SHINE direct 352-692-5209
See Alachua County SHINE sitesWhat to have ready
- Alachua County address and a safe callback number
- A one-sentence description of the need and what changed
- Any notice, application, denial, bill, or deadline involved
- Language, mobility, communication, and accommodation needs
Words you can use
“I am in Alachua County and need unbiased Medicare help with [issue]. The notice or enrollment deadline is [date]. What should I do first?”
Steps in order
- 1
Call or use the official intake route and lead with the immediate need.
- 2
Ask what eligibility, documents, assessment, and current funding or capacity apply.
- 3
Record the staff name, reference number, next action, and follow-up date.
- 4
Use the listed backup route if the program is closed, full, or not the correct door.
If the first answer is no or wait
Availability, funding, eligibility, and wait times can change. Ask for the reason in writing when possible, preserve every deadline, and dial 211 or call Alachua County at 352-374-5204 to locate another current route.
Official sources
Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.
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