SHIIP-SMP Volunteer Medicare Counselors Needed In Buena Vista County
The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division, sponsored locally by Buena Vista Regional Medical Center.
Every year, nearly 400 certified SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors meet with more than 40,000 Iowans to provide one-on-one support understanding Medicare coverage options and navigating unique challenges related to health insurance.
If you have considered volunteering with SHIIP-SMP as a counselor for your community, now is the time to apply and join the effort.
Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025.
SHIIP-SMP provides excellent training and resources to assure volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for Medicare counseling and community education. Live, virtual new volunteer trainings will be available:
- Tuesdays, May 13 – June 24 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
- Thursdays, May 15 – June 26 (9 a.m. – 12 p.m.)
Whether it is helping individuals prepare for signing up for Medicare after retirement, comparing prescription plan options, completing applications for financial assistance or responding to Medicare fraud – SHIIP-SMP volunteers go above and beyond to make sure their clients are provided unbiased answers to questions so they can leave confident in their choices.
“Our SHIIP-SMP volunteers truly make a difference,” says Danielle Schlenger, BVRMC Education/Resource Coordinator. “They help people feel confident in their Medicare choices, often saving them money and stress. It’s a powerful way to give back—offering support, knowledge and kindness to individuals in our community.”
Who makes a good counselor?
SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors are most often retired individuals who enjoy tackling new challenges and learning new information. They gain satisfaction from helping people, are happy to work with diverse populations and value being an objective and trusted source of information. As we learn to connect in new ways, being comfortable with learning new computer skills is also important.
Those interested in this rewarding volunteer role can learn more about this opportunity and how to apply through the SHIIP-SMP website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved or by contacting Danielle Schlenger at 712.213.8683.
