The Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) are free, confidential, and unbiased services of the State of Iowa Insurance Division. Every year, nearly 400 certified SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors meet with more than 40,000 Iowans to provide one-on-one support understanding Medicare coverage options and navigating unique challenges related to health insurance. If you have considered volunteering with SHIIP-SMP as a Counselor for your community, now is the time to apply and join the effort!
Applications for the 2025 SHIIP-SMP New Volunteer Training will be accepted through April 20, 2025. Two volunteer training track options will be available:
- Option #1: Tuesdays, May 13-June 24 (9am-12pm)
- Option #2: Thursdays, May 15-June 26 (9am-12pm)
Whether it is helping individuals prepare for signing up for Medicare after retirement, comparing prescription plan options, completing applications for financial assistance or responding to Medicare fraud β SHIIP-SMP volunteers go above and beyond to make sure their clients are provided unbiased answers to questions so they can leave confident in their choices.
SHIIP-SMP volunteer, Jennie Anderson, shared, "I needed to have something, and I had always been a people person, but I needed something to keep my brain working and still be able to give back to people. I don't get paid for this, I am a volunteer, but I get more out of doing this than what I did for a paycheck for 36 years. I am doing this because I want to make a difference."
By becoming a SHIIP-SMP volunteer Medicare insurance counselor, you can:
- Feel satisfied knowing you help Iowans make the best decisions for them, save money, and gain a better understanding of Medicare.
- Develop new skills or enhance your existing knowledge with excellent training and resources.
- Give back to your community and make lasting connections.
Who makes a good counselor?
SHIIP-SMP volunteer counselors are most often retired individuals who enjoy tackling new challenges and learning new information. They gain satisfaction from helping people, are happy to work with diverse populations and value being an objective and trusted source of information. As we learn to connect in new ways, being comfortable with learning new computer skills is also important. Donβt worry β SHIIP-SMP provides excellent training and resources to assure SHIIP-SMP volunteers are prepared and have the tools they need for Medicare counseling and community education.
If this sounds like a volunteer role you would enjoy, you can learn more about the opportunity and how to apply through the SHIIP-SMP website: www.shiip.iowa.gov/get-involved