ElderSource's SHINE Volunteers Help Seniors Navigate 'Intimidating' Maze of Medicare

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs' Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program offers seniors, disabled adults, and their caregivers free advice on Medicare and health insurance issues, reports the Florida Times-Union . SHINE volunteers undergo intensive training to help inform seniors' decisions about health insurance coverage via in-person or phone counseling. ElderSource Chief Executive Linda Levin says there are 47 SHINE volunteers throughout the service area of Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, St. Johns, and Volusia counties. In addition to counseling about Medicare, volunteers assist with claims and appeals and advise seniors on how to avoid Medicare fraud. "This program . . . has helped many folks find the best plan to meet their individual needs," Levin notes. "It has reduced confusion and stress for people and has provided them with an advocate."