Dr. E. Douglas Beach, Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, invites volunteers to join the award-winning SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) Program.

SHINE is an award-winning, statewide volunteer-based program which relies on elder volunteers to help other seniors with health insurance matters, including assistance with claims and appeals, comparing supplemental policies, and organizing paperwork.

SHINE utilizes the support of trained volunteer counselors to assist seniors with health insurance claims, questions, prescription plans comparisons and assistance, and Long Term Care options and planning.

SHINE volunteers, who undergo intensive training, provide individual counseling, education and assistance at SHINE sites, via telephone and over the Internet. SHINE volunteers are also available to make group presentations on a variety of Medicare-related topics.

To schedule a personal consultation with a Broward County SHINE counselor, contact ADRC Broward Information & Referral at 954.745.9779.

SHINE counselors provide information, counseling, and assistance on:

• Medicare Eligibility, Enrollment and Coverage Issues
• Medicare Health Plan Choices
• Medicare Appeal Rights
• Medigap (Medicare Supplemental) Policies
• Long-term Care Insurance
• Prescription Assistance Resources

SHINE counseling services are provided free of charge by volunteers who uphold client confidentiality and provide information and unbiased advice.

SHINE speakers are available to address condo and homeowners associations, clubs, civic groups, churches, synagogues, caregivers associations, or any other organizations that require guest speakers for their meetings. Some presentations feature video or other multimedia presentations.

SHINE Speaker's Bureau topics include:

• SHINE Overview/ Recruitment
• Medicare and More—An Update of medicare Parts A,B,C, and D
• Medicare Part D—An Introduction (for new enrollees)
• Medicare Part D 2007 Update
• Long Term Care Planning
• Medicare Fraud/Abuse
• Sunshine for Seniors—Prescription Assistance

The speaking engagements are not sales oriented, nor does SHINE represent any commercial organizations or insurance companies.

To learn more about the SHINE Speakers' Bureau, please contact Karin Diaz or Edith Gooden-Thompson at 954.745.9567.

SHINE volunteers can assist those currently on Medicare, those who will soon be eligible, and those who act on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries, including family members and caregivers. This assistance includes those who are on Medicare due to disability or end-stage renal disease.

If you have a desire to help people and an interest in knowing the technical aspects of Medicare and health insurance, we invite you to apply to become a SHINE volunteer.

To be a volunteer, you need to:

• Complete required SHINE training, consisting of four (4) days and one refresher day;
• Be willing to serve at least sixteen (16) hours a month;
• Not be affiliated with any insurance company, agency, product or service (including being licensed to sell insurance in Florida); and
• Have an email account and basic computer skills.

As a volunteer, you will receive ongoing mentoring and support through your local SHINE volunteer network and Aging and Disability Resource Center. Join the SHINE team of volunteers, and make a real difference in the lives of elders in your community.

To learn more about becoming a SHINE Volunteer, please contact Karin Diaz or Edith Gooden-Thompson at 954.745.9567.

Free unbiased counseling on Medicare, Medigap, HMO, Medicaid, Prescription Drug Plans, and Long-Term Care Insurance is available at several Broward County locations. All counseling is first-come, first-serve. Bring with you a list of all of your medications including the dosages of prescription bottles, insurance card, and your red, white & blue Medicare card.

For more information, please contact Karin Diaz or Edith Gooden-Thompson at 954.745.9567.