Press Releases

April 2017
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Patti Dubielak. Director, Marketing and Development
Email: p.dubielak@minutemansenior.org Phone: 781-221-7015

Trump ADMINISTRATION Proposes Eliminating All Funds for Popular Health Conseling Program for Seniors

Seniors Told To Call Toll Free Medicare Number Instead

According to the National Council on Aging, the Trump Administration has proposed eliminating the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP, but called SHINE in Massachusetts), which provides Medicare recipients with free counseling regarding their Medicare health plan options. The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies, social service and community based agencies and Councils on Aging, and funded by the federal Administration for Community Living. SHINE serves approximately 76,000 Massachusetts residents each year, and provides unbiased health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Massachusetts residents of all ages with Medicare and their caregivers. It counsels beneficiaries on Medicare, Medicaid, Prescription Advantage, Senior Care Options, One Care, PACE, Health Safety Net, and other insurance options.

The replacement is the existing access to Medicare via 1-800-MEDICARE.

“The idea that seniors would be given an “800” number to call instead of a trained local health counselor is liked being bumped from a first-class flight to the baggage department,” said Al Norman, Executive Director of Mass Home Care, a statewide network of agencies that help keep elders living at home. “Medicare can’t sit down with you face to face and go over your options.”

There are currently more than 600 trained SHINE volunteers in Massachusetts offering counseling assistance through one of 14 regional SHINE offices across the Commonwealth. Given their extensive training, SHINE volunteers help seniors and families navigate complex eligibility requirements, and make informed decisions about their health insurance and prescription drug coverage. As a result of this program, SHINE counselors have helped save consumers $110 million in Massachusetts alone.

Please help save this valuable program by contacting your Congressional representatives today. Call 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your Senator and your Representative, or go to www.Senate.gov and www.house.gov for their direct contact information. Remind your elected officials how important this program is and not to cut SHIP funding.