Insurance Insights

May 30 - June 5, 2016

Looking for a valuable way to exercise your brain?

By Allen Kerr

I would like to take the opportunity this week to discuss how you can assist the Arkansas Insurance Department’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP). It is part of a national network of programs that offer free, confidential counseling and assistance with Medicare. Congress established SHIIPs in 1990 to help beneficiaries navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system.

Each year, the Arkansas SHIIP program through its dedicated staff and volunteers, provides invaluable service to Arkansas’s communities, including:

Counseling beneficiaries through the annual prescription drug plan period.

Connecting with seniors who have limited incomes to help them save money on health care costs.

Educating the community about health insurance issues.

There is tremendous satisfaction in knowing that you’ve made a difference in the life of a senior citizen or someone with a disability. SHIIP is a program that is based on Arkansans helping Arkansans. SHIIP volunteers and staff are known statewide as trusted advocates who provide objective, accurate, and confidential assistance to Medicare beneficiaries.

Our volunteers do not work or sell for any insurance company. Their goal is to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions about their health care options.

SHIIP volunteers receive training on Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Insurance, Medicare Supplement Insurance and more. Training is offered in local communities.

Volunteers are supported by staff at the state and local level. Regional SHIIP coordinators provide assistance, office space, equipment, supplies, and training support to volunteers in their areas.

Not only will you assist people with their Medicare needs, but you will also be part of a dynamic team, meet new people, enjoy professional growth opportunities while making a difference in your community.

For more details about volunteering in your community please call us at 1-800-224-6330.

It is my pleasure to continue to serve you as your Insurance Commissioner. For more information on the Arkansas Insurance Department, please visit http://insurance.arkansas.gov, follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/ARInsuranceDept and Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ArkansasInsuranceDepartment.  

Allen Kerr was appointed Arkansas Insurance Commissioner on Jan. 13, 2016, by Governor Asa Hutchinson.