Getting ready to SHINE
By Margie Ware
Summer is over and the “school year” is beginning for Elder Services SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) Program.
From September until January is our busiest time. Once the phones start ringing, we work nonstop to make sure that every Medicare beneficiary in Berkshire County has access to accurate, unbiased health information.
We begin volunteer recruitment in the summer and hold our training in September and October. This year’s class begins on September 17 and meets twice a week for the next four weeks.
In early October, the companies offering Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, and those offering Medicare Advantage programs, start sending out information on their new products, prices and services. Last year there were significant pricing changes that had an impact on a number of consumers, as well as the introduction of new and unfamiliar products. We don’t know yet what 2009 will bring.
During October, we start to crunch numbers. We figure out which are the least expensive plans, which plans have the most complete formularies, what new offerings there are in the marketplace and what changes may have positive or negative effects for the consumer.
We organize this information in both written form and in charts, and publish it in the November issue of “Berkshire Senior” as an easy-to-use reference guide to the new choices.
Those who want the latest information should call Elder Services in mid-October. As the phones start ringing, we begin the process of reevaluating the callers’ prescription drug needs. Is last year’s plan adequate? Has the family’s health or financial status changed? We are discovering the value of the old motto “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” If last year’s plan is adequate for your needs, we’ll often advise you to think about “staying put” unless you’ve had serious customer service issues or there’s been a significant formulary change.
In addition to answering the phones, we are also “on the road” attempting to make as many public presentations as possible! The amount of work that is done by volunteers and SHINE-trained staff of other agencies is remarkable. We have a wonderful team and we have developed a rhythm to our workload that involves mutual support and lots of cell phone use.
We keep records of all the conversations we have with people, and beginning on November 15, we begin to sign people up. The SHINE Program doesn’t recognize “the holidays.” Thanksgiving and the month of December are our busiest times, and the fact that our volunteers often have significant family responsibilities makes their service all the more precious. Our real “holiday” is New Year’s Day, when the open enrollment season is over, and we can take one deep breath before we start receiving the January 2 calls about cards that aren’t working at the pharmacy.
As beneficiaries become more computer-savvy, we are more than willing to walk you through your own investigatory journey on the computer. However, please don’t think that you’re a “chicken” for not wanting to go this alone. There’s a reason that stunt people say “Do not try this at home!” We are happy to facilitate your enrollment process and keep a copy of the documents in our office for future reference. But we also encourage those familiar with the internet to feel free to ask our advice on “self-service.”
We look forward to speaking with you this fall at 499-0524, extension 109 or at 1-800-544-5242. Elder Services wants to make your health insurance selection process as smooth as possible.
Margie Ware is Elder Services’ Regional SHINE Program Coordinator.
Become a SHINE Volunteer
and Make a Difference
Elder Services SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
Program is training new volunteers at
Elder Services, 66 Wendell Ave., Pittsfield on:
September 17, 18, 22, 23
October 2, 3, 8, 9 & 16
All sessions are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
If you are interested in helping your community understand the process
of accessing Medicare, MassHealth, prescription drug coverage and
public benefit programs, please call Elder Services’ Regional SHINE
Program Coordinator Margie Ware at 499- 0524 or 1-800-544-5242.
