SHIIP volunteers meet high standards
Kim Davis, Deb Hogan and Jim Solomon
By Caroline Rosacker
The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, objective, and confidential services throughout Iowa to help individuals sort through information about Medicare and health insurance.
Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) empowers and assists Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers, to prevent, detect, and report suspected healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education.
The Family Resource Center, located at 514 South River Park Drive in Guttenberg, has three trained SHIIP/SMP volunteer counselors. Jim Solomon, with seven years of experience, Deb Hogan, beginning her third year, and Kim Davis, the newest volunteer, are available to answer questions and help you choose the best insurance and prescription drug plan.
"SHIIP advises reviewing your drug plan yearly," commented Davis. "Often our volunteers can help you save money."
SHIIP-SMP counselor training
New SHIIP and SMP volunteers must complete six weeks of live virtual training. "Each training session lasts between one and three hours and includes homework modules that can be completed at your convenience," noted Davis.
Volunteers also receive a toolkit of materials to review and are provided with a mentor who provides opportunities to observe counseling sessions, answer questions, and introduce new volunteers to their site team. All volunteer counselors also attend a one-day regional training in-person where they will learn updates about Medicare options for the upcoming year.
SHIIP and SMP qualifications
Desired SHIIP and SMP volunteer qualifications include:
• Ability to listen, identify beneficiary issues, and problem solve
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Willingness to advocate on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries
• Comfort and assurance utilizing technology, the internet, and online programs
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Good organizational skills
• Willingness and ability to learn and retain information
• Sensitivity in working with diverse populations
"Confidentiality is very important to us," said Davis. "Our current office does not offer much privacy, so we are looking forward to the new Family Resource Center location."
All new SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors must be 21 years or older and pass a federal criminal background check. They are asked to commit to a least one year of service and complete a minimum of 30 client contacts. "The three of us are very busy right now during the Open Enrollment Period, which began October 15, and runs through December 7," said Davis.
Volunteer counselors set their hours of availability tailoring their own experience. "I am enjoying my new position," shared Davis. "I am a problem solver, so this is a good fit for me."
Upcoming training sessions
Two different 6-week training options are available in 2025.
• Tuesdays, May 13 - June 17 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
• Thursdays, May 15 - June 19 (9 a.m.-12 p.m.)
Additional information about how to become a SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselor can be found at www.shiip.iowa.gov, email shiiprecruit@iid.iowa.gov, or phone 1-800-351-4664.
