Pinellas County · Medicare

How to Get Free SHINE Medicare Counseling in Pinellas County

Talk with a free, unbiased Medicare counselor before changing coverage or responding to a notice.

Researched by Claire Szewczyk · Sources checked August 9, 2026
Quick answer

Start here

Call the AAAPP Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 and ask for SHINE counseling. Have the Medicare card, current plan, prescriptions, providers, and complete notice or bill ready.

AAAPP SHINE counselingAAAPP SHINE counseling1-800-963-5337

Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; local 727-217-8111

See SHINE and information services

What to have ready

  • Medicare and current plan cards
  • The complete notice, denial, or bill
  • Medication list and preferred pharmacies
  • Doctors and services that must remain available

Words you can use

“I live in Pinellas County and need unbiased Medicare counseling about [notice, cost, or plan choice]. Is there a deadline, and what should I have ready?”

Steps in order

  1. 1

    Do not cancel or enroll before checking dates and consequences.

  2. 2

    Ask whether an appeal or enrollment period applies.

  3. 3

    Compare prescriptions, providers, authorization rules, and total yearly cost.

  4. 4

    Write down the counselor’s name and agreed next step.

If the first answer is no or wait

If a deadline is close, state the exact date first and also follow the appeal instructions on the notice.

Official sources

Sources checked August 9, 2026. Confirm eligibility, hours, cost, service area, and current availability directly.

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