Getting Started

First, decide what level of certificate you would like to achieve. Look carefully at the course descriptions to determine if the certificate you are interested in has a prerequisite.

All new prospective counselors must complete a Volunteer Application and interview with the SHICK Coordinator in their area.

You are not required to take all the courses in one week’s time, or in only one city. You may take the courses in the combination of dates and locations that best fits your schedule.  Follow the reservation process outlined at the end of this page for each course you want to take.

Each session is being offered in multiple locations across the state. Some of the sessions may also be offered in Webinar & Online Module formats at a later date.

 

Available Certificates

Bachelors Certificate in Medicare
Required to become a fully-certified SHICK counselor.

This is designed for new, first time SHICK Counselors or certified Part C/D counselors who wish to become fully-certified Medicare Counselors.   

3 days of training:  

• Track 1 – Original Medicare A & B and Basic Medigap
• Track 2 – Medicare C & D with Computer Lab
• Track 3 – Annual Update Training

NOTE:  Tracks 1 & 2 are not open to current fully-certified Medicare Counselors.

CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR BACHELORS CERTIFICATE IN MEDICARE
Required for current fully-certified counselors to maintain their certification.

1 day of training:

• Track 3 – Annual Update Training

Plus 4 additional hours of training:

• On-line or webinar updates in the fall

ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE IN MEDICARE C & D
Required for currently-certified Part C/D counselors to maintain their certification.

This is designed for new, first-time counselors or current Part C/D counselors who wish to maintain their certification.  Part C/D counselors only assist beneficiaries with enrollment in Part C (Medicare Advantage plans) or Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage).
 
1 day of training:

• Track 2 – Medicare C & D with Computer Lab

ASSOCIATE CERTIFICATE IN SMP (SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL)
This is designed for volunteers who want to be SMP counselors.

1 day of training:

• Track 8 – Medicare Cliff Notes (1/2 day)
• Track 9 – KS-SMP Training on Detecting Fraud, Abuse, Misuse, Scams, Identity Theft (1/2 day)

Masters Certificate in Medicare
PREREQUISITE: Bachelors Certificate in Medicare + one year counseling experience
( For 2010, all current fully-certified SHICK Counselors may take these courses.)

This is designed for experienced Counselors who want to know more about Medicare and be able to work with more complex counseling issues.

5 days of training:

• Track 3 – Annual Update Training
• Track 4 – Advanced Medicare A & B with Casework
• Track 5 – Advanced Medicare C & D with Casework
• Track 6 – Coordination Of Benefits, Medigap, Other Insurance
• Track 7 – Low-Income Subsidy, Medicaid, Other Assistance

SPECIALIST CERTIFICATE – CALL CENTER OPERATOR
Required for Call Center volunteers.
PREREQUISITE: Bachelors Certificate in Medicare
(For 2010, all current fully-certified SHICK counselors may take this course.)

This is designed for experienced counselors who want to work in one of the SHICK Call Centers.

1 day of training:

• Track 12 – Call Center Operator + Call Center Computer Lab

Training Schedule:

SHICK Basic Training has been completed for 2010. If you missed your annual update training, please contact Janet Boskill about options for online training.

City	Track	Track Name	Date	Time	Location
Wichita	Track 10	Long-Term Care Financing Options + Long-Term Care Insurance	Sept. 10, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	SG Co Extension Center, 7001 W 21st N
Wichita	Track 4	Advanced A & B w/Casework	Sept.15, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	SG Co Extension Center, 7001 W 21st N
Manhattan	Track 4	Advanced A & B w/Casework	October 8, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	NCFHAAA,  401 Houston
Wichita	Track 5	Advanced C & D w/Casework	October 12, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	SG Co Extension Center, 7001 W 21st N
Salina	Track 5	Advanced C & D w/Casework	October 14, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	Salina Tech College, Building C, Room 148, 2562 Centennial Road
Salina	Track 6	Coordination Of Benefits	October 15, 2010	8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m.	Salina Tech College, Building C, Room 148, 2562 Centennial Road

 

Training dates and/or locations may be subject to change. Please confirm location when registering.

For Reservations, Please Contact:

Janet Boskill, SHICK/KDOA
Call 785-296-6319 or 1-800-432-3535
OR
Email - janet.boskill@aging.ks.gov
Be sure to type “Training Reservation” in the subject line of your email.