The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or SHIP, is a national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families. The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a national program to help people of all ages with Medicare avoid, detect, and prevent health care scams, fraud, and abuse.
As a SHIP/SMP volunteer, you will provide benefits counseling on Medicare, the Medicare prescription drug program and subsidy programs that help pay Medicare premiums and lower deductibles. It’s your chance to ensure that older New Mexicans receive accurate, unbiased information about health care options and other benefits. It does not sell, endorse or recommend any specific insurance or other health plans.
Volunteering with the New Mexico SHIP/SMP, you will provide invaluable services to your community by:
- Counseling beneficiaries through the Medicare enrollment process
- Connecting with seniors who have limited income to help them save money on health care costs
- Educating the community about health insurance issues
- Advocating for beneficiaries’ rights
- AND MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Volunteers are trained in the areas of Medicare insurance, benefits and fraud so they can provide information and assistance in evaluating the beneficiaries’ needs.
Volunteers bring many backgrounds and experiences that enhance helping people in need. SHIP and SMP volunteers are likely to have:
- Good communication and sensitivity
- Reliability and perseverance
- Willingness to help their community
Please call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 1-800-432-2080 to find out about volunteer opportunities in your area!
