Coordinator and Volunteer Information

Resources:

• Coordinator Directory
• Training Calendar
• Volunteer Update Certification
• Contact Report Form
• Contact Report Form Instructions
• Public and Media Activity Form
• Public and Media Activity Form Instructions
• Latest News

Who’s Who in the SHICK World . . .

By Suzi Lenker, SHICK Education & Outreach Coordinator

The SHICK program would not be able to serve the Medicare beneficiaries of Kansas if it were not for the wonderful Coordinators and Volunteers that we have across the State.

In an effort to reach the Medicare beneficiary at the local level, we have fifteen Sponsoring Organizations statewide. Each of these organizations chooses a person who becomes the SHICK Coordinator. This person is critical in the effective and efficient operation of the SHICK program. Without them, very little would be accomplished.

Each Coordinator is responsible for recruiting Volunteer Counselors. These people are at the most local level. There are approximately 300 Volunteer Counselors across the 105 counties of Kansas. As well as recruiting Volunteers, the Coordinators do recruit a number of SHICK Partners. These are people who take our training to benefit them in their jobs ~ to help them do a better job for the Medicare beneficiaries that they see each day.

There are several things that our Volunteer Counselors and Partners are NOT and it is important that beneficiaries understand this.

• They are NOT offering advice, or any information that could be construed as legal advice.
• They are NOT affiliated with the insurance industry.
• They are NOT a financial planner.
• They are NOT going to sell, recommend or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company or health maintenance organization.
• They are NOT going to make any decisions for the beneficiary. They will show the beneficiaries their options, so the beneficiary may make a more informed decision.

WHAT ARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SPONSORING ORGANIZATION AND VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR?

These agencies and groups are SHICK's essential link to senior citizens in their own communities.

• Appoint a Volunteer Coordinator.
• Recruit Volunteer Counselors.
• Provide training sites and accommodations.
• Receive client telephone calls.
• Assign Volunteer Counselors to clients based upon a needs assessment.
• Monitor performance of Volunteer Coordinators and Volunteer Counselors to insure the provisions of the Agreements and federal grant are met.
• Market the SHICK program through coordinated efforts with the state SHICK office.
• Provide expenditure reports to KID for funds awarded pursuant to the Agreements.
• Serve as a clearinghouse for supplies and materials to Volunteer Counselors and clients.
• Maintain frequent communication with Volunteer Counselors regarding activities and job performance.
• Provide Volunteer Counselors access to a copy machine and telephone at the sponsoring organization.

WHAT ARE THE JOB RESPONSIBILITIES OF A SHICK VOLUNTEER COUNSELOR?

The role of the Volunteer Counselor is to help people stay abreast of changing conditions and to cut through the confusion about health care insurance.

• Read and sign the Memorandum of Understanding.
• Satisfactorily complete certification training.
• Provide confidential individual health insurance counseling services without conflict of interest and in compliance with SHICK regulations.
• Provide referrals to appropriate resources.
• Maintain frequent communication with your Volunteer Coordinator.
• Complete Volunteer Counselor Contact Report Forms and send monthly to Volunteer Coordinator.
• Satisfactorily complete continuation training as required.
• Read SHICK News.
• Provide information to the public regarding Medicare and other health insurance issues.

Optional:

• Help clients access prescription drug patient assistance programs.
• Give public presentations.