The Hawaii SHIP is looking for volunteers to serve seniors statewide. Medicare is a confusing process and it is the job of the SHIP to help seniors navigate their many options by providing unbiased and free Medicare counseling.
Certified volunteer counselors are essential to the success of the SHIP program. Other roles include information distributor, administration, exhibitor, and presenter. Without the commitment and dedication of SHIP volunteer counselors, the program would not be sustainable, and Hawaii’s beneficiaries would lose a very valuable service.
Counselor: This role involves direct discussion with beneficiaries, caregivers, and/or family members about their individual situations and may include review of personal information such as Medicare Summary Notices, billing statements, and other related financial and health documents.
o A counselor with advanced training can develop plan comparisons for clients based on the client’s resources and situation. A complete plan comparison will provide the client with recommendations on plan options that best addresses their needs.
o A counselor with advanced training can assist a client with a Medicare appeal, usually because a benefit was denied, but other reasons and appeals do exist. SHIP is not responsible for drafting or writing an appeal, but can advise a client on when to file an appeal, what information to include, and where to send the appeal documents.
