SHINE — Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders — logo

Understanding Medicare can be difficult for program participants. It is not always easy to figure out what it does or does not do or cover.

For this reason, participants and their caregivers have a new place to turn for questions and concerns about Medicare or other health insurance topics.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE – Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders – program plans to open a counseling site at Lehigh Community Services, at 201 Plaza Drive, Suite 103.

According to Camilita Aldridge, a SHINE liaison, the site is set to open on Feb. 3.

She reported that the program empowers senior citizens to make informed decisions about their health care coverage.

Part of the local programs offered through the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, SHINE provides free unbiased help with educational materials and health insurance counseling.

Aldridge said the new site will allow the program to reach more community members who may benefit from the services that they may not be aware of.

Through a network of dedicated volunteer counselors, SHINE?strives to help senior citizens understand and receive the health insurance coverage they need.

“Every day SHINE volunteers answer questions regarding topics such as Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance, long-term care planning and more,” she said.

The volunteer counselors can even help those age 60 and older find programs where they may be eligible for lower cost or free drug prescriptions.

Those interested in counseling or any other service can contact the Elder Helpline at 800-413-5337 and make an appointment.

Information can also be found online at: www.floridashine.org.

Lehigh Community Services serves as a host site for the United Way of Lee County. It also provides services to the community, like a food pantry, help with utilities and giving away toys to needy children during the holidays.

Executive Director Charlotte Rae Nicely said there are many services at her agency.

“This is an excellent service for our seniors in Lehigh,” she said of the new counseling to be offered. “It is another way we at Lehigh Community Services can help our local residents.”

“I hope our locals and their caregivers will take advantage of this much needed new program,” Rae Nicely said.