April 17, 2013

SHIINE seeks local volunteers

PIERRE, S.D. – The South Dakota Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) program is currently seeking volunteers for all aspects of the SHIINE program.

One of the primary functions of SHIINE volunteer is to help seniors with their Medicare questions. Volunteers receive training on all parts of Medicare and learn how to provide one-on-one Medicare counseling.

Volunteer counselors are vital to the success of the program, as they provide opportunities for seniors to discuss their Medicare questions and concerns in person. All services are unbiased and confidential.

Although volunteers are most active during Part D (prescription drug) open enrollment in the months of October, November and December, they are needed year-round. If becoming a volunteer counselor isn’t for you, please talk to your regional SHIINE coordinator about other ways to contribute your time and talents.

Training includes:

• All parts of Medicare,
• How to counsel people individually,
• How to provide referrals, and
• How to navigate the Medicare website and plan finder tool.

Individuals interested in serving as SHIINE volunteer counselors should be comfortable using computers, the Internet, and meeting with individuals in public locations, such as libraries or senior centers. Volunteers can choose the hours they would like to provide services. A SHIINE volunteer may not hold a current license to sell Medicare-related health insurance.

To become a SHIINE volunteer or learn more about it, visit www.shiine.net or contact a regional coordinator nearest you:

• Eastern South Dakota:
  Tom Hoy
  Phone: 605-333-3314 or 1-800-536-8197
  E-mail: shiine@cfag.org
• Central South Dakota:
  Kathleen Nagle
  Phone: 605-224-3212 or 1-877-331-4834
  E-mail: shiine@centralsd.org
• Western South Dakota:
  Debbie Stangle
  Phone: 605-342-8635 or 1-877-286-9072
  E-mail: shiine@westriversd.org

About SHIINE: Administered by the Department of Social Services, SHIINE is a federally-funded program that advocates for consumers and educates them on Medicare and other related health information; helping consumers make timely and informed decisions about the resources that best fit their needs. The program is free for eligible seniors.

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