 |
|
  |
|
 |
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
|
 |
     |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
What's New? Serving Health Info Needs of Elders (SHINE) News 4/21/2008 - Each year at this time the financial eligibility for many of our State and Federal programs are adjusted upward. It is a good time to call a SHINE Counselor at your local Senior Center to ask for a SHINE SPRING CHECK-UP. The counselor will review your income and assets with you to determine if you may be eligible for one of the programs that may assist you. The Low Income Subsidy Program (Extra Help) Could help you with you Drug Plan Premiums, Co-Pays and provide you with Coverage through the "Coverage Gap" or Donut Hole. The Prescription Advantage Program - Is sponsored by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs, it provides some of the same benefits of the Low Income Subsidy Program, but the Income Limits are higher and there are no asset limits. MASSHealth Buy-In This program is sponsored by MASSHealth and it will pay the MEDICARE Part B premium ($96.40) for Medicare Beneficiaries if they have low income and limited assets. At any rate it could be well worth the effort to speak with a SHINE Counselor regarding these matters. WE HAVE A FEW MORE OPENINGS FOR SHINE COUNSELOR TRAINING Are you looking for a meaningful and challenging volunteer opportunity? Our next SHINE training will begin in July, at the Shrewsbury Senior Center, and take place two days a week over a five week period. The information below lets you know a little about our Program. The Medicare program has never been more complex. Seniors and disabled people on Medicare need assistance understanding the many and complex options they have available to them. The need for trained individuals to educate and provide unbiased information has never been greater. Through an intensive training program, SHINE (Serving Health Information Need of Elders) Counselors become certified to explain health insurance options and protect consumers' rights. They work one-on-one with seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries to educate, answer questions, solve problems, and screen for low-income health programs. SHINE Counselors also attend monthly meetings where they receive on-going training, support, and opportunities to share their experiences and concerns with other counselors. SHINE Counselors volunteer an average of 4 hours per week meeting with clients and doing necessary follow-up work. They generally counsel in Senior Centers or other public settings that have a private meeting space. Some computer experience is desired. SHINE Counselors are bright and dedicated individuals who are truly making a difference in many people's lives. This is a unique and wonderful volunteer opportunity for the right person. Please consider joining our dedicated team of professionals and volunteers. For more information or an application to become a SHINE Counselor, call Ed Roth, Central Region SHINE Director at 508-422-9931. Bilingual, bicultural and minority individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need help on any aspect of your health insurance, SHINE offers free counseling at your local Senior Center. Call your Senior Center and ask for a SHINE appointment. You can reach a SHINE volunteer by phone at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636). Once you get the SHINE answering machine , leave your name and number. A volunteer will call you back, as soon as possible . Back to What's New?
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
