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Group Enlightens Seniors On Medicare, Medicaid

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: June 28, 2008

With all the regulations and guidelines regarding the use of Medicare and Medicaid, today's seniors may be confused as to their rights and entitlements under these programs.

A group of Pasco volunteers is determined to shine some light on this challenging subject.

With a network of more than 400 volunteers, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders "is a Medicare and health insurance information, counseling and assistance program that reflects our commitment to put elders first, by empowering them to make informed decisions on health care issues," a news release said.

According to Susan Samson, liaison for the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas, which coordinates the program locally, SHINE volunteers help with numerous issues related to Medicare and Medicaid, long-term care and prescription drug programs.

"SHINE volunteers are miracle workers," she said. "We have 34 Pasco/Pinellas volunteers who have helped 3,500 people in nine months."

How do SHINE volunteers help? They answer questions seniors and their caregivers have about Medicare and Medicaid, and can help them make informed choices about health insurance and prescription medications. Those who need help in this area may call the senior helpline at 1-800-861-8111.

"They help people consider their options," Samson said. "They give of their time to inform people about the advantages and disadvantages of these programs. They work on all different issues and answer detailed questions."

"These volunteers offer nonbiased help," said Martha Grey, Pasco County SHINE volunteer and local coordinator. "They help people unravel all the paperwork that can get so complicated. There are so many choices, and people appreciate the help."

According to Marilyn Rupp, director of planning for SHINE, volunteers also communicate with clients' insurance companies.

"We want to educate people on how to deal with the companies themselves," she said. "But with their permission, we can act as advocates for them."

Aside from helping people over the phone, SHINE volunteers have been known to make home visits to callers who need an intensive review of their Medicare/Medicaid issues.

That's why, Grey said, it's important to find and train more volunteers, particularly in east Pasco.

One SHINE volunteer working in that area is Paul Hall, a Zephyrhills resident who has participated in the program for three years.

"Each individual I help has different requirements, and we don't recommend insurance companies or plans," he said. "We give facts and let each individual make their own judgments."

Hall enjoys the flexibility of the SHINE program, which requests that volunteers donate a minimum of 16 hours a month; some are "snowbirds" who only work part of the year. They can work the phone lines either at home or at a SHINE outreach office; in Pasco County, these offices are at 36702 State Road 52 in Dade City and 12417 Clocktower Parkway, Suite 201, in Hudson. Hall works weekly at the Pasco County Cooperative Extension office in Dade City.

"The people who call don't know where to get the data they need," he said. "It feels good to help."

SHINE

SOME BACKGROUND: Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders seeks local volunteers, particularly in the east Pasco area, to help seniors with questions regarding Medicare, Medicaid and insurance issues via the senior helpline.

COMMUNITY CONTRIBUTIONS: The toll-free helpline offers well-researched, unbiased advice on Medicaid, Medicare and insurance issues. The statewide SHINE program involves more than 400 volunteers.

A LITTLE HISTORY: SHINE is overseen by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and is coordinated locally by the Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas Inc. Eight volunteers serve the Pasco area; a strong need for volunteer aid exists particularly in east Pasco.

WHAT'S NEXT?: A SHINE training session will be offered Aug. 21; those interested are asked to call to register.

GET INVOLVED: If interested in becoming a SHINE volunteer, call SHINE liaison Susan Samson at (727) 570-9696, or the senior helpline at (727) 217-8111 or 1-800-861-8111.

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