Help Seniors Navigate Medicare

Medicare is a vital program for older adults but can be a confusing process to navigate. Assist seniors by becoming a Medicare volunteer through one of three programs offered by the Area 10 Agency on Aging at their office in Ellettsville. Volunteers during the Medicare 'open enrollment' period, Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, meet seniors one-on-one and walk them through the onsite "Plan Finder". Training is provided; volunteers commit to a three-hour shift once or twice weekly. Volunteers for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program provide one-on-one counseling during one four-hour shift weekly, make a one-year commitment and must complete 24 hours of training plus periodic local in-service trainings. Volunteers for the Senior Medicare Patrol educate older adults receiving Medicare and Medicaid benefits to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud. These volunteers distribute educational materials and make presentations to community groups. No previous experience or knowledge is required. Minimum age is 18. Please contact Holly McLauchlin at (812) 876-3383 or hmclauchlin@area10agency.org. (www.area10agency.org)