There is something to be said for those who tackle the subject of Medicare. Those who take on this difficult topic find great satisfaction in helping others feel empowered about their health care choices. SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) is a federally grant-funded program that helps the Medicare population and their caregivers locally by offering free, unbiased information and counseling.

SHIP is seeking professional volunteers to help provide local one-on-one benefits counseling in their own communities. Volunteers will be trained on Medicare-focused benefits through a two-day course on February 23 and 26, and also cross-trained on Medicare fraud, waste and abuse through the SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) Program.

Volunteers are asked to give two to three days a month and will feel richly rewarded through helping the aged and disabled beneficiaries of the Upper Cumberland.

If you would like more information on being a volunteer for your community through SHIP and SMP, please call (931) 476-4142, or toll free (877) 801-0044. SHIP and SMP Programs are administered locally through the Upper Cumberland Area Agency on Aging and Disability in Cookeville and is a Title VI compliant agency.