Share Your Wisdom: Be a SHIP Volunteer
KIPDA
 In 1990, the nationwide State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) were launched to give a helping hand to people with Medicare in navigating the healthcare maze. Since its inception, SHIPs have become known as a trusted resource for information about Medicare and private health coverage, protection from fraud and abuse, and for consumer assistance.
The goals of the SHIP programs are:
- To educate people with Medicare, their families and caregivers about health insurance coverage and benefits, consumer rights, insurance industry performance, and consumer safeguards
- To provide one-to-one counseling to consumers in understanding their health insurance coverage benefits
- To protect consumers from fraud, misdirected collection agencies, and unlawful or overzealous providers
- To empower consumers to make informed choices about health insurance and long-term care options, affirm their rights, and bring about system changes.
What is Needed from a SHIP Volunteer? - Completing appropriate SHIP certification training and annual recertification complying with Kentucky requirements
- Being able to offer counseling at either the counseling site, by telephone, or at the home of a homebound client for a minimum of four hours per month
- Assisting clients with filling out forms, filing claims, and appeals
- Complying with all pertinent rules and regulations set forth by the Kentucky State Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
- Not active in selling insurance or have any potential financial gains from being a SHIP volunteer
- Maintaining the confidentiality of our clients
In addition to counseling, SHIP needs volunteers to collate packets, be available for booths at special events, and many other activities.
If you are interested in becoming a SHIP Volunteer, please contact:
KIPDA Area Agency on Aging
Michelle Wade, SHIP Coordinator
502-266-6084 or 1-888-737-3363
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