"Last year, North Carolina's Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program volunteers saved senior citizens more than $63 million," Commissioner Causey said, as National Volunteer Week kicked off. "That's money that older North Carolinians, many of whom are on a fixed income, can use to spend as they see fit."
National Volunteer Week runs from April 7-13.
North Carolina now has more than 2 million Medicare beneficiaries. Last year, more than 970 SHIIP volunteers helped more than 90,000 Medicare beneficiaries with issues related to Medicare or long-term care.
"Without our remarkable, selfless volunteers, SHIIP would not be able to reach out to so many Medicare beneficiaries in our state," Commissioner Causey said. "I'm very grateful for their continued service to their fellow North Carolinians."
The Seniors' Health Information Program (SHIIP) counsels Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and long-term care insurance.
Seniors and caregivers can find local SHIIP volunteers by searching the SHIIP web page at Search For a Counselor By County webpage.
Since the program's creation in 1986, North Carolina's SHIIP has become a role model for other states and has received two national awards for "innovative" and "exemplary" service.