Make a Real Impact—Become a SHIP Volunteer!
At SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program), we are always looking for compassionate individuals to join our team of volunteers. As a volunteer, you will have the rewarding opportunity to guide others through their Medicare journey, offering one-on-one, confidential counseling sessions that truly make a difference.
No prior knowledge of Medicare or health insurance is required to volunteer. We provide all the comprehensive training and ongoing support you need to succeed. Once trained, you will be part of a dedicated team with access to experienced mentors and SHIP staff, ready to assist you whenever you need.
By volunteering with SHIP, you are not just helping people navigate their health benefits—you are becoming a vital part of your community. Ready to help? Join us today and start making an impact!
What do SHIP volunteers do?
When you are a SHIP counselor, you help in different ways. Some counselors prefer to help over the phone or using teleconferencing apps like Zoom. Others prefer to help by meeting in person, such as at a public library. Here are some examples of situations we help with and how you might help as a counselor:
A client called because they cannot afford their prescription medications...
You can screen them for available benefit programs by reviewing their income information and assets, then help them fill out an application for financial help that could save them hundreds or thousands of dollars.
A Medicare beneficiary is starting Medicare soon and needs more information about their options...
You might sit down at your local library and talk about their needs, tell them about the difference between Medicare Advantage and traditional Medicare with a Medigap, and help them compare Medicare Advantage plans with their employer’s retirement plan using the tools on Medicare.gov.
Then, you can help them enroll in the plan they choose.
A Medicare beneficiary received a letter they did not understand...
The letter is asking them for documents they did not know how to provide. You can help them decide which documents to send and the correct submission method, so the client does not lose benefits or coverage.
During the Medicare Open Enrollment, many clients need help comparing their options...
You can volunteer at one of our annual Medicare Open Enrollment events, where you will help them compare their drug plans on Medicare.gov and make sure their prescriptions and pharmacies are covered or adjust their Medicare Advantage choices.
Video courtesy of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Upcoming 5-day training course
(9:00am – 3:30pm each session)
- Wednesday 6/4/2025
- Wednesday 6/11/2025
- Wednesday 6/18/2025
- Wednesday 6/25/2025
- Wednesday 7/2/2025
Ready to get started?
Complete the application below and we will contact you with more information about joining our volunteer team and answer any questions you may have.
Give Back | Stay Connected | Build Skills
Gary Schwartz
SHIP Volunteer
Gary Schwartz discovered a highly engaging volunteer opportunity as a SHIP Medicare counselor, where he found great satisfaction in helping individuals navigate their healthcare options.
Video courtesy of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Yolanda Mugica
SHIP Volunteer
Yolanda Mugica values attending the monthly Medicare training sessions and appreciates the chance to offer personalized Medicare guidance in a friendly environment.
Video courtesy of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Jennie Anderson
SHIP Volunteer
In retirement, Jennie Anderson discovered a sense of purpose by offering Medicare advice through volunteering with SHIP. She deeply values the appreciation she receives from those she assists.
Video courtesy of the SHIP Technical Assistance Center with funding from the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Contact Us
Area Agency on Aging (AAA) is a private non-profit agency, designated by the state to address the needs and concerns of all older persons at the regional and local levels.
The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) program is dedicated to safeguarding Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers from healthcare fraud, errors, and abuse. SMP does this through outreach, education, and counseling.
FUNDING STATEMENT: This website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $554,782 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement by, ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
PHONE: 800-432-4040
