ElderSource, a nonprofit organization that works to empower elders and their caregivers age with dignity and independence, is currently recruiting volunteers in Clay County to help citizens become better informed about their Medicare choices. Volunteers are vital part of ElderSource’s SHINE program (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders), which helps elders make informed decisions about their Medicare health benefits and other health insurance issues.
Training sessions for SHINE volunteers are scheduled for: Tuesday, April 7 through Thursday, April 9, from 9am-4pm. The training will take place at the Clay County Council on Aging located at 604 Walnut Street in Green Cove Springs.
Interested persons are asked to register by March 30 and by calling 904.391.6644.
SHINE Volunteers will receive basic training on Medicare, Medicare Part D (prescription drug program), Medicare Supplement Insurance and Medicaid, and in turn, serve as counselors to their peers on how to understand and capitalize on these insurance benefits. Computer experience is helpful, but not necessary, to participate in the training. Volunteers will be served lunch and reimbursed for mileage at a rate of $.445 per mile.
Upon completion of the training, volunteers will have the opportunity to give presentations out in their communities and provide much-needed counseling with seniors to secure these complicated health insurance benefits. Volunteers, supported by SHINE staff, will connect with elders at various locations in the community, including but not limited to health fairs, senior events and other community outreach events.
To learn more about SHINE or to become a SHINE Volunteer go to www.floridashine.org, or call toll free
1-888.242.4464 or 904.391.6644.
SHINE is a program of the Florida Department of Elder Services, funded through a grant from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and operated in partnership with the state’s 11 area agencies on aging.