OPPORTUNITIES
HEALTH INSURANCE COUNSELOR
Help individuals make informed decisions about their Medicare and other health insurance coverage, complete necessary forms, and connect them with available resources.
Responsibilities:
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Assist Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers to:
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Understand their benefits (Medicare, Social Security, employer benefits/plans , etc.)
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Review and explain health insurance and available assistance programs
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Assist with payment of medical bills and Medicare claims
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Explore ways to lower prescription drug costs
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Consider long term care insurance as a means of paying for future long term care expenses
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Complete applications, forms and other paperwork
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Identify and report health care fraud and errors
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Identify resources in the community and provide referrals to these agencies
COMMUNITY OUTREACH EDUCATOR
Present information on programs and services available to the community.
Responsibilities:
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Prepare and present information about Senior LinkAge Line®, Medicare, health care fraud, and /or long term care insurance to community groups
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Provide staffing for community events such as health fairs, conferences and other senior community events where Senior LinkAge Line® may exhibit
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Promote Senior LinkAge Line® in the community
OFFICE ASSISTANT
Assist and support Senior LinkAge Line® staff with administrative tasks
Responsibilities:
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Assist with copying handouts
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Assemble manuals and mail packets
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Organize and maintain publications
Help us help people in your Minnesota community.
Become a Senior LinkAge Line® volunteer Medicare counselor and help people in your Minnesota community in which you live. We have opportunities to do Medicare counseling, give live and remote presentations on Medicare and Medicare fraud awareness, and to help staff outreach events in our communities.
Counselors help Medicare consumers in Minnesota, their families, and caregivers, better understand Medicare options by providing information and referrals regarding resources. Counselors will also help Medicare consumers in Minnesota enroll in programs that could assist with health insurance costs and reduce prescription drug costs. You also have opportunities to lead Medicare related online classes and outreach.
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact us. Upon a successful background check, and the completion of the 18-hour training class, volunteers will receive certification through the Minnesota Board on Aging as a Health Insurance Counselor with the State Health Insurance and Assistance Program (SHIP).
If you are interested in this volunteer opportunity now, we can get you an application to complete. Please contact our Volunteer Coordinator with your questions.
Volunteers will receive staff support, guidance, and on-going training as you provide assistance and outreach to seniors in your community.
If you are interested in volunteering to become a Medicare counselor in your community, or have questions, please contact Lee our Volunteer Coordinator at the Senior LinkAge Line, at 800-333-2433, Ext. 81019.
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES
REQUIRED OF ALL VOLUNTEERS.
Submit documentation of client work as required by AAAA
Maintain regular contact with Volunteer Coordinator
Abide by agency’s non-conflict of interest, confidentiality, and other policies
TRAINING
(not required for Senior Surf Day volunteers)
Attend initial eighteen hour training to become certified as a State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Counselor
Participate in additional training such as : DHS video conferences, webinars provided by the Minnesota Board on Aging and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, quarterly update trainings, etc.
TIME COMMITMENT
Minimum commitment of one year to program; minimum of 4 hours of service per month as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
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Interest in and commitment to helping beneficiaries and their caregivers learn more about Medicare and health insurance matters.
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Sensitivity to the needs of older adults, person with disabilities, and other diverse populations
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Ability to provide own transportation to/from client homes, counseling sites, and training locations (need to provide proof of insurance and copy of drivers license)
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Successful completion of personal reference and criminal background checks
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Ability to work independently and make appropriate decisions as required
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Effective communication skills
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Organized and detail oriented
BENEFITS
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An opportunity to share your knowledge with individuals who truly appreciate it
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Ongoing support and education
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Develop new skills through ongoing training
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Mileage and expense reimbursement
