CHOICES SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) and SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol)

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The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging, Inc. (WCAAA) is the best-kept secret in the 41 towns of Western Connecticut that we serve which include the cities of Waterbury, Danbury and Torrington and towns such as Salisbury, Wolcott, Ridgefield and New Milford. The WCAAA is a resource for information and referral to services that serve as an advocate for older adults and person with disabilities. As a member of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, the WCAAA is part of a national referral network focused on assisting seniors/disabled and caregivers. The WCAAA and Independence Northwest, in partnership, function as the designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for the Western Area. We are the local regional office to the State Unit on Aging.
Through the CHOICES SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) and SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol), we have saved Medicare beneficiaries hundreds and even thousands of dollars when they call the WCAAA to inquire about their health insurance, pharmacy drug plan and billing issues. The response we hear from beneficiaries reaching us for the first time is, "I am so glad I found you." We are also a referral source from Medicare, Social Security, or a simple Google search.
The Agency also administers the statewide Alzheimer Respite Care Program, as well as the following programs with federal funding: National Family Caregiver Support, Money Follows the Person, Live Well, Congregate Housing Service, a Veteran's Program, the Medicare focused CHOICES and SMP (Medicare Fraud) programs and through a contract with the local housing Authorities, the Resident Service Coordination Project. As a State of Connecticut contractor, we administer the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders, for Waterbury.
We are looking for volunteers for our programs at the agency. The CHOICES SHIP and SMP programs are popular with students seeking a degree in healthcare management or insurance. If you are interested in learning more, please contact Carlyn Mueller at 203-757-5449 extension 126 or cmmueller@wcaaa.org.
For more information please see the WCAAA on-line videos at: https://wcaaa.org/resources/videos