LEAP into Action! - Become a SHICK Volunteer

The North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging invites people throughout the heartland of Kansas to “make the leap” this year to help Kansans with their Medicare by volunteering to be a counselor with the Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program.(SHICK)

SHICK counselors provide important information to older Kansans, people living with disabilities and their caregivers by helping people learn about Medicare options and answering their questions.

"Medicare is super important for older Kansans and people living with disabilities--and it’s health insurance—so there are lots of bureaucratic words and jargon that make Medicare confusing to many," said Julie Govert Walter, NC-FH AAA Executive Director.

"SHICK-certified volunteers provide unbiased and trustworthy help to people who seek answers about Medicare. Becoming a SHICK counselor is the best way we know to learn about Medicare and to help meet a critical need to help others in this part of the state get answers and peace of mind about their Medicare decisions,” she said.

During 2019, SHICK counselors with the NC-FH AAA helped more than 5440 Kansans. Between October 15, 2019 and December 7, 2019 counselors in the region helped over 3800 people review their Medicare Part D drug plan options. People who decided to switch their Part D plans in 2020 saved on average $936.68. Total estimated savings in the NC-FH AAA region was $1,338,518.00!

“We are truly grateful to the wonderful SHICK counselors in our region—however, even with their generous help, we had to turn people away, “ Walter said. “Our goal was to provide everyone an opportunity to meet with a SHICK counselor last fall, yet we simply did not have enough trained counselors to help.”

To become certified as a SHICK counselor, focused training on-line and in-person is required. In-person training sessions are slated during the spring and summer throughout the state.

Those interested in being a SHICK counselor should call 1-800-432-2703 to get information or an application. Applications are also available at www.ncfhaaa.com/shick. People who are affiliated with pharmacies or insurance companies are restricted from SHICK counseling (though may other wonderful volunteering opportunities with NC-FH AAA are available!)

For more information about receiving SHICK counseling, call the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging (NC-FH AAA) at (800) 432-2703 or go to www.ncfhaaa.com.