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-- Programs and Services -- Contact Information SHINE on, Berkshire County seniors!
By Margie Ware, SHINE Coordinator
SHINE – Serving Health Information Needs of Elders – is a statewide program operated in our area by Elder Services. Given the current "dynamic" nature of health insurance programs in Western Massachusetts, the need to give complete information and help elders understand procedures has never been greater.
SHINE operates through a local network of volunteers who have been thoroughly trained in the complexities of health insurance provider choices, billing questions and coverage information. Counselors are available either by phone, during scheduled hours at local Councils of Aging, or if necessary, by home visits. Recent decisions by insurance companies have limited the choices that local seniors have for what is traditionally known as "Medigap" insurance – supplementary policies which cover those services not covered by Medicare Parts A and B. The choices are especially narrow for those seniors who need prescription drug coverage.
If you are a senior with questions about the most cost-effective health insurance policy, someone about to retire who needs to explore options for coverage, or the relative of a senior needing assistance in understanding billing and premium information, please call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 1-800-544-5242 (or 499-0524 if Pittsfield is a local call from your location) and ask to speak to a SHINE counselor.
If you have an interest in providing a valuable volunteer service to the Berkshire senior population, please consider becoming a SHINE volunteer. Our next training class will be held in April. After certification, volunteer counselors receive additional training and mentoring from experienced volunteers. These opportunities are especially geared to individuals with previous experience with counseling or health care. For more information, please contact Margie Ware, Regional SHINE Coordinator at 1 800 544-5242 or 499-0524.