Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK)
SHICK is the Kansas component of the federal State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) that is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). As a SHICK partner, the NC-FH AAA recruits and provides training for a network of 70 volunteer counselors located throughout the 18-county region who answer questions, explain benefits, and help solve health insurance problems. SHICK Counselors are particularly busy each year during the Open Enrollment Period, mid-October to early December, helping Medicare beneficiaries compare and enroll in prescription drug insurance plans.
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!
October 15 - December 7 of every year marks Medicare Open Enrollment
Looking for a SHICK appointment during open enrollment? Appointment slots will open about 1 week prior to the Open Enrollment Date. To make an appointment for a consultation in-person, over the telephone or through ZOOM (web session), you can contact us at 785-776-9294 or 1-800-432-2703. You can schedule a session for yourself, or for a loved one. please come prepared with your Medicare number, medicare.gov username and password, if you have it, and a current list of your prescription drugs or the bottles themselve.
Click here to view a list of SHICK events and who to contact to sign up.
Are you interested in volunteering to serve as a SHICK counselor? We could really use your help!
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. SHICK-certified volunteers provide unbiased and trustworthy help to people who seek answers about Medicare. To become certified as a SHICK counselor, focused training on-line and in-person is required. SHICK Counselor trainings are held throughout the year. Contact us or call 1-800-432-2703 if you are interested.
An application process and background investigation is required to become a SHICK counselor. Applications and inquiries can be directed to the SHICK coordinator at 785-776-9294. Once completed, please return it directly to our offices, in person or via email: NC-FH AAA, Attn: SCHICK Coordinator, 401 Houston Street, Manhattan, KS 66502.
