See also: Congressman Delahunt’s column on Medicare Part D
By Sheila Curtis
Each year, the Massachusetts SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Program provides counseling, education and assistance to thousands of the Cape’s elders, Medicare beneficiaries and their families.
SHINE is a free and confidential counseling service funded by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs through grants from the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid and the Massachusetts State government. Additional in-kind donations come from member agencies and program sponsors. The goal of the SHINE program is to provide accurate unbiased health information, counseling and assistance free of charge.
The United States medical health insurance system is often complex, confusing and constantly changing. As a result, many elders require advice and assistance in selecting the health care options that best suit their needs and the coverage that they should have. SHINE volunteer counselors, trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, are available to assist elders with those choices; most counselors work at senior centers and services are provided to homebound and handicapped elders.
SHINE provides information about Medicare, Medicare Supplemental Insurance, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid, Long-Term Care Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Claims processing, Medicare Appeals, Patient Rights and Prescription Drug Programs. Counselors can provide assistance with the application process for public benefits such as Community and Long-Term Medicaid. Over the years SHINE counselors have saved the elders of Cape Cod and the Islands over $1.5 million with counseling assistance.
SHINE volunteer training will be conducted this fall. The training takes 10 days spread out over several weeks; certified SHINE trainers provide the initial education. Ongoing assistance, supervision and monthly updates are provided. Counselors should possess strong communication skills, be respectful of client confidentiality, be willing to be trained in health insurance issues, and commit to volunteer several hours weekly. If you are interested in becoming a SHINE counselor, please contact me at 1-800-334-9999.
(Ms. Curtis is regional director for SHINE, a state agency Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders.)