UC Development District To Host SHIP/SMP Volunteer Trainings

UCDD will host a series of volunteer training days to help with its SHIP and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) programs.

Volunteer Coordinator Erin Perdue said that SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. She said that SHIP offers free and unbiased Medicare counseling to beneficiaries and their loved ones.

“As well as helping out with low-income assistance when they have trouble paying for their healthcare,” Perdue said. “And SMP stands for Senior Medicare Patrol. It is also a nationwide program that educates seniors to help prevent healthcare fraud.”

Perdue said that volunteers will have a variety of day-to-day activities, including in-person or phone counseling.

“About any Medicare-related issues or questions, assisting with the annual enrollment period in the fall, presenting and managing booths at the events we have, educating on healthcare and fraud, as well as assisting with any clerical work that we have in the office,” Perdue said.

Perdue said that both programs are offered to all 14 counties in the Upper Cumberland. She said that there are over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries that can use assistance from these programs in the region.

“The assistance that these programs give protects the aging populations as well as giving them an advocate when they can’t protect themselves from scam or fraud,” Perdue said. “It also gives them the feeling of understanding fo what is going on with their healthcare and empowers them to make more confident decisions about their Medicare choices.”

Perdue said that there will be three training days on May 9th, 17th and 24th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. She said that prior knowledge of Medicare is not required. If you have questions or are interested, Perdue said that you can call her at (931) 476-4147