Resources for Volunteer Counselors
The Alaska Medicare Information Office relies on trained volunteers throughout the state to help Alaskans with Medicare. Since Alaska is spread out, you can become a trained and certified volunteer counselor from home.
Should you become a State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP) and/or a Senior Medicare Programs (SMP) volunteer counselor?
- Yes, if you enjoy helping people
- Are dependable, patient, and compassionate
- Are able to understand and explain complex issues
- Can protect client confidentiality
- Can work during the workday
- Have easy access to the web and email
If this describes you, see what the next steps are:
- Step 1. Complete the volunteer application HERE.
- Step 2. Meet by phone or in person with Judith or Jeanné for an interview (800) 478-6065.
- Step 3. Familiarize yourself with our Medicare website via www.medicare.alaska.gov
and www.medicare.gov. If you live in Anchorage, come to a quarterly seminar scheduled for the public. - Step 4. Complete the online self–study modules. Each one builds on previous material so doing them in sequence helps.
- Step 5. Take the Online Certification Tool to be certified as a SHIP Counselor
and/or take the Online SMP Foundations Assessment to be a certified SMP Volunteer. - Step 6. Get Registered with SHIPTalk (do this over the phone with Judith or Jeanné) and get a Unique I.D.
- Step 7. Complete the Memorandum of Agreement (keep a copy, as it’s your job description)
- Step 8. Start counseling/being mentored with another Certified Counselor.
Medicare 101 Public Seminars
Loussac Library (Wilda Marston Theater)
3600 Denali Street, Anchorage
6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
“Getting Ready for Medicare”
Follow this link to print your flyer now!
March 14, 2012
June 13, 2012
September 12, 2012
December 12, 2012
Understanding Medicare - Tools for Counselors and Clients
General
- Understanding Medicare Enrollment Periods (PDF - External Link)
- Questions to Ask a New to Medicare Client (PDF)
Medicare Part D (Prescription Drugs)
- Apply for "Extra Help" with Prescription Drugs! (External Link)
- Guide to LIS Beneficiary Mailings from CMS, SSA and Plans (PDF)
- LI NET - Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition Program
- Humana LI NET main website
- 4 Steps for Pharmacy Providers
- LI NET Notice
- Reimbursement for Out-of-Pocket Costs
- Prescription Drug Claim Form
- 2012 Medicare Part D Basic Benefit (PDF)
- Part D LIS Co-payments for 2012
- Part D Plans for 2012
- Part D Decision Tree (PDF)
- Part D Plan Finder Client Worksheet (PDF)
Counseling Forms and Resources
- Counselors may use the following form when providing in-person counseling to clients: Client Agreement, Authorization, And WAIVER Form (PDF)
Client Contact Forms
All counselors are highly encouraged to track all Medicare-related counseling and conversations using either of the following Client Contact Forms:
SHIPTalk Data Entry
After a client contact about Medicare or a public/media event please follow these instructions to record your contact on https://shipnpr.shiptalk.org/
Medicare Counselor Designated Hotline (1-888-647-6701)
Good news for Alaska Medicare Counselors - the Medicare Hotline is faster than the regular 1-800-MEDICARE! Here's how it works:
-
You need a UNIQUE I.D. to access this hotline. Get your I.D. HERE.
-
Complete this (Attestation of Confidentiality) and fax to:
Judith or Jeanné at (907) 269-2045 -
Dial 1-888-647-6701
When prompted, enter your unique ID which starts with 02..
CMS Intake Form (PDF) If you are unable to resolve issues with the Medicare Hotline, use this form to send an intake to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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