SHINE

SHINE (Serving the 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, email Sue Samson or call her at 727-570-9696 ext. 234.

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

To receive SHINE services call the Senior Helpline.
Pinellas County - 727-217-8111
or
Pasco County - 1-800-861-8111

Resources on the Internet

Benefits Check Up: www.benefitscheckup.org. Service of the National Council on Aging (NCOA). Free, confidential, personalized report on benefits eligibility for individuals. Also includes Benefits Check Up RX, a personalized report on prescription assistance programs to which you may be entitled.

Medicare: www.medicare.gov. U. S. government site for persons with Medicare. Includes Prescription Assistance Program Information, Medigap Compare, and Nursing Home Compare by state and region.

National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information www.LongTermCare.gov
A website of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides information and resources to help seniors and caregivers plan for long-term care (LTC) needs. It has information on Understanding Long-Term Care, Planning for Long-Term Care, and Paying for Long-Term Care.

SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) has a website with information about services as well as volunteer opportunities. Visit the new site at www.floridashine.org. According to the site, "SHINE provides educational materials and free unbiased insurance counseling to Florida elders, caregivers and family members. Our goal is to help elders understand and receive the health insurance coverage they need through Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Assistance, Long-Term Care Planning & Insurance, and other health care issues."