Volunteering for SHIP

SHIP is a satisfying volunteer opportunity for hundreds of people across Indiana. SHIP provides services through many channels: seminars, local community training, one-on-one counseling, virtual counseling, public speaking, publications, videos and more. Volunteers are the key to the program’s success. SHIP volunteers are called on to assist with questions on Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicaid, employer benefit plans, managed care plans, long-term care, help pay for prescriptions and more. Counseling can include an analysis of insurance needs, side-by-side policy comparisons, help with filing claims, and appeals or filling out applications for assistance.

SHIP is driven by volunteers who are committed to helping people with Medicare determine the best healthcare choices for their individual situations and to be good consumers of Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D drug coverage, long term care financing, and low income assistance programs.

To be an active SHIP volunteer you must fulfill the following criteria:

• Complete a 24-30 hour Initial Training
• Want to help people with Medicare in his/her community
• Attend regular local in-service training sessions (usually two half-day sessions per year)
• Complete at least 9 Client Contact forms per month
• NOT be affiliated with  (i.e., employed by, or in a position to sell) any insurance product, agency, company or service
• Make a minimum one-year commitment
• Be willing to assure complete confidentiality to every client
• Complete required paperwork
• Enjoy meeting new people and helping others

Our Trained SHIP volunteers:

• Assist through an 800 help line, virtually, or at local sites in most Indiana counties.
• Offer one-on-one health insurance counseling for people with Medicare.
• Present on related topics in local communities throughout the state.

SHIP offers its volunteers choices on how they would like to volunteer:

Personal or Virtual Counseling - Direct discussion with Medicare beneficiaries about their individual situations, and may include review of personal information, such as Medicare Summary Notices, billing statements, and other related financial and health documents. This can take place on-site, virtually, or by phone.

Special Events/Presentations - Educate through presentations, health fairs, and other events geared toward Medicare beneficiaries.

Administrative Support Aide- This role involves such work as copying, filing, data entry, scheduling appointments, and placing phone calls in support of SHIP activities. Volunteers who work in this role do not field questions from the public.