If you or someone you know has celebrated a 65th birthday, it is amazing how much “fan mail” fills the mailbox. Much of the mail is advertising insurance plans. Every envelope claims to have the perfect plan, not to mention the endless phone calls which are also received. The gift of Medicare due to age or disability and all of the insurance decisions which go along with that, can be overwhelming. Don’t despair, SHIIP is here.
SHIIP, the Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program, is part of the North Carolina Department of Insurance. Because there are so many insurance companies, and because the Medicare system is so complex, SHIIP was founded in 1986 to provide people who are eligible for Medicare with an objective information service.
Trained volunteers work in each county to help provide unbiased information to senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in their community with questions regarding Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare claims processing, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare prescription drug plans. We also provide information on consumer fraud and preventative benefits.
In Surry County, the Surry County Center of North Carolina Cooperative Extension serves as the coordinating site. Our Surry County volunteers include Tom Bachmann, Donna Collins, Tammy Haynes, and Mary Jane Jenkins. During 2023, our Surry volunteers and Carmen Long, Surry County Family and Consumer Science agent and SHIIP coordinator counseled 176 individuals who were able to save more than $310,313. If you have Medicare questions, give the Extension Office a call at 336-401-8025 to be connected to a volunteer or visit the SHIIP website at www.ncshiip.com. There are many helpful publications including The Road to Medicare, a planning guide for those getting ready to turn 65.
SHIIP is always looking for more volunteers. With the many decisions people with Medicare have to make, we can never have too many volunteers to assist our Surry County beneficiaries. If you like to help others, have computer skills, and want to learn more about Medicare, we need YOU!
SHIIP. Volunteers should:
- Not be or have an immediate family member who is an active insurance salesperson.
- Complete a 13-hour on-line training certification course.
- Provide one-to-one counseling by appointment at counseling site or by telephone.
- Enter all counseling and outreach efforts into the federal STARS website.
- Keep all client information (medical and financial) confidential.
- Never recommend a specific insurance company or policy.
- Attend quarterly follow-up meetings.
For more information on becoming a volunteer, call the Extension Office at 336-401-8025.
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