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

This is designed for experienced Counselors who want to know more about Medicare and be able to work with more complex counseling issues. Not all tracks will be offered each year.

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

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:

By City
City	Date	Track	Location	Address	Hours
TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA	TBA

Please contact Janet Boskill to make a reservation for the training date of your choice. New counselors must have completed a volunteer application and interview with the Area Coordinator to attend initial SHICK training. New counselors must schedule Tracks 1, 2 and 3 to complete the initial training requirements.

Advanced Training classes have not been scheduled at this time. Please check back on this website or contact your SHICK Coordinator to request that they schedule an advanced training class.

Contact:

Janet Boskill, SHICK/KDOA
Call 785-296-6319 or 1-800-432-3535
Email - janet.boskill@aging.ks.gov