The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/1359118
Q: I was interested in becoming a SHIP Counselor, but then the pandemic began. Is SHIP still offering help with Medicare questions? Are they still looking for new volunteer counselors? A: Yes! SHIP is still very busy assisting Medicare ben- eficiaries with the questions and yes SHIP is always look- ing for new volunteers. SHIP is driven by volun- teers who are committed to helping people with Medicare determine the best healthcare choices for their individual sit- uations and to be good con- sumers of Medicare, Medi- care Advantage, Part D drug coverage, long term care fi- nancing, and low-income as- sistance programs. SHIP has more than 100 sites throughout the state of Indiana and more than 425 vol- unteers. During COVID, SHIP has modified some of its coun- seling methods to ensure the safety of our counselors and our clients. SHIP offers its vol- unteers choices on how they would like to volunteer. Below are just a few of the volunteer opportunities SHIP offers. Personal Counseling - Di- rect discussion with Medi- care beneficiaries about their individual situations and may include review of personal in- formation, such as Medicare Summary Notices, billing statements, and other relat- ed financial and health doc- uments. This can take place on-site with proper distancing and PPE, via virtual meeting, or by phone. Special Events/Presenta- tions - Educating through pre- sentations, health fairs, and other events geared toward Medicare recipients. Administrative Support Aide - This role involves such work as copying, filing, da- ta entry, scheduling appoint- ments, and placing phone calls in support of SHIP activ- ities. Volunteers who work in this role do not field questions from the public. To become a SHIP counsel- or, you must: • Complete a 28 -hour basic training which includes using a computer (these are current- ly being held virtually). • Complete hands-on vol- unteer shadowing. • Want to help people with Medicare questions in your community. • Attend two regular half- day training sessions per year (these are currently being held virtually). • NOT be affiliated with (i.e., employed by, or in a po- sition to sell) any insurance product, agency, company or service. • Make a minimum one- year commitment to SHIP. • Be willing to assure com- plete confidentiality to every client. • Complete required pa- perwork documenting each contact. If you are interested in be- coming a SHIP volunteer, or have questions related to Medicare, call SHIP at 1-800 - 452-4800, 1-866 -846 -0139 TDD or online at www.medi- care.in.gov. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter. SHIP is a free, unbiased counseling program provided by the Indiana State Depart- ment of Insurance SHIP is a free, unbiased counseling pro- gram provided by the Indiana State Department of Insur- ance. To schedule an appoint- ment with SHIP, call 1-800 - 452-4800, T T Y 1-866 -846 - 0139 or visit www.Medicare. IN.gov to find your local site. HORSE COMPETITION Clockwise from upper left Wonder gets his side rubbed by Daisee Keeker (r) while Shelly sits on Wonder, waiting her turn to take part in the competition. Cousin Allison Keeker, on the right, visits with them during the competition Saturday morning. Akiaya Scraper leads her horse through several large limbs, which is one of sev- eral obstacles and tasks the participants had to complete. Lucy Gamble and Scott Arnold, with the Winslow Lions Club, cook up hamburg- ers and hot dogs during the event. Chloe Shilo twirls her rope before throwing it in an attempt to lasso a stationary steer in the competition. Saturday April 10 starting at 10 a.m. until out of candy at the Moose Lodge (front parking lot) 115 W. Pike Ave., Petersburg Proudly Presented by Women of the Moose Chapter #1740 Loyal Order of the Moose Petersburg Lodge #1617 (DRIVE-THRU) T R A I L PETER COT ON TA IL A-4 Wednesday, April 7, 2021 The Press-Dispatch Ask SHIP Indiana