SHINE Program
The SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) Program is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare, those approaching Medicare eligibility, and their caregivers. The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies (including Mystic Valley Elder Services), social service and community-based agencies, and Councils on Aging. The program is partially funded by the federal agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. People who have Medicare or who are about to become eligible for Medicare can meet with a SHINE Counselor to learn about benefits and options available.
Volunteering as a SHINE Counselor
SHINE Counselors are committed volunteers who receive extensive training and become certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs in many areas of health insurance, including Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D; Medigap insurance; Medicare HMOs; retiree insurance plans; prescription drug assistance programs; Medicaid (MassHealth); and other programs for people with limited resources.
To become a SHINE Counselor, you must participate in 8-10 full days of training. After your training is complete, you must pass a state certification exam composed of 100 questions. We will then pair you with an experienced SHINE Counselor to shadow and mentor for about 4 weeks, so you are fully trained and ready to conduct SHINE counseling on your own. Additionally, all new SHINE Counselors are required to use email and be flexible on where they serve in their assignments. To meet the needs of our communities, you may be asked to serve in different outreach sites or in an area other than where you live.
SHINE Counselors volunteer for approximately 2-4 hours each week and a two-year minimum commitment is required.
300 Commercial St, #19, Malden, MA 02148, US
Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES) is a non-profit agency that provides essential home- and community-based care and resources such as assistance with personal care, household chores, meals, and transportation to more than 20,000 older adults, adults with disabilities, and caregivers living in 11 communities north of Boston. The communities include Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Revere, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winthrop.] The MVES Volunteer Program has the dual mission of engaging people in volunteer service to meet critical community needs while providing a high quality experience that will enrich their lives also.
MVES is a nonprofit organization that since 1975 has acted as an entry point through which elders, families, caregivers, and health care professionals can access a wide variety of programs, services, and supports. MVES is one of the largest in a network of 25 similar aging services organizations in Massachusetts. MVES promotes safe, independence for elders and adults living with disabilities in eleven cities and towns north of Boston.
Malden & Surrounding CommunitiesMalden, MA 02148
September 21, 2023
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