SHIP Volunteer Orientation

The Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), part of United Way’s Area Agency on Aging provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers.  We are actively seeking volunteers to assist during Medicare Open Enrollment (October 15-December 7). 

Volunteers are needed to help with day-to-day administrative duties and counseling of Medicare beneficiaries.  Volunteer opportunities may be virtual or in-person with PPE and social distancing measures in place.

Join us for an on-line SHIP Volunteer Orientation on Wednesday, September 30th from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. via Microsoft Teams.  You don’t want to miss your chance to learn how you can get involved with SHIP!

SHIP Counselors provide information about traditional and non-traditional Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplemental Insurance and long-term care insurance to Medicare beneficiaries, their caregivers, family members and other advocates.

SHIP Counselors responsibilities include the following: conduct individual counseling with Medicare beneficiaries without conflict of interest; conduct plan comparisons and explain results to beneficiaries; provide an overview of Medicare; enroll beneficiary in appropriate health insurance plan (if applicable); and maintain client confidentiality. 

SHIP Administrators provides assistance to the SHIP Coordinator by implementing and maintaining procedures for effective day-to-day operations during Open Enrollment.

SHIP Administrator responsibilities includes the following: maintain SHIP records as assigned; perform clerical duties as assigned by SHIP Coordinator; and enter data in SHIPmates daily.