SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)

Medicare, Health Insurance, Long-Term Care and Prescription Assistance

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is a free, volunteer-based health insurance counseling program administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Office of Volunteer and Community Services. SHINE is also an award winning program geared toward helping elders navigate through the complicated health insurance system.

Volunteer counselors offer expertise on Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Assistance, and Long-Term Care Planning & Insurance. The volunteers focus on beneficiary rights and consumer protection, and also educate and empower elders so they can make informed decisions.

The Area Agency on Aging coordinates the information, counseling and assistance activities of the volunteers through the Senior Helpline and other interagency partnerships. Currently SHINE has more than 1000 volunteers in 55 counties who provide peer counseling and information on these health related issues.

If you are interested in more information on becoming a SHINE volunteer, call Sue Samson at 727-570-9696 ext. 234.

You can learn more about SHINE by visiting the SHINE website at http://www.floridashine.org/

Information on prescription assistance is available at http://www.floridashine.org/presassis.html

Open Enrollment information:
Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods
Have You Done Your Yearly Medicare Plan Review?

For information on local SHINE seminars go to http://www.agingcarefl.org/Medicare/seminars

To receive SHINE services call The Senior Helpline at 1-800-96-ELDER, (1-800-963-5337). For inquiries from outside of the area call 727-217-8111.