News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Upper Cumberland State Health Insurance and Assistance (SHIP) Program needs volunteers.
Upper Cumberland SHIP Coordinator Amanda Smith said they’ve seen an influx of counseling calls and want to provide more outreach and followups. Smith said that volunteers will help provide free, unbiased counseling to get people the health care they need.
“There’s a lot of companies that are out there that are really trying to sell you something and it may not be taking your best interests in mind,” Smith said. “But because we’re unbiased everything that we say it’s really trying to help out the actual beneficiaries.”
Smith said that volunteers do not need to be Medicare experts, and training will be provided to help with counseling. She said volunteers just need to have a goal of helping people during a decision that can impact their life.
“We can do everything from answering general questions about Medicare to helping you find a good plan that works for you,” Smith said. “We also can help apply for low-income assistance programs.”
Smith said to get involved, potential volunteers can either send an email to ship@ucdd.org or call (931) 476-4148. Upper Cumberland SHIP serves all 14 counties of the Upper Cumberland and their healthcare counseling needs.
