SHIP: Volunteer for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program
Medicare is overwhelming!
As a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) volunteer, you can make a difference in your community by helping people with Medicare understand their health care and save money.
SHIP gives free and unbiased information and assistance to people with Medicare and their caregivers.
You don't need a background in health insurance! SHIP provides all the training.
What does a SHIP Medicare volunteer do?
Volunteers give back to their communities in a variety of ways through the SHIP program:
- Presenting Medicare information in the community (scripts provided)
- Counseling people on their health care choices
- Entering data
- Preparing and/or distributing information and materials
SHIP counselors often rely on volunteers for help. This is especially true during Medicare’s annual open enrollment period in the fall, when many people have questions.
To learn more about volunteering with the Wisconsin State Health Insurance Assistance Program, view this brochure, P-03499.
How do I become involved as a professional SHIP volunteer?
Professionals can join the SHIP network to better support their clients who have Medicare. Those that join the professional SHIP network receive a variety of benefits, including access to resources and training around a variety of Medicare related topics. Professional SHIP volunteers include social workers, case managers, clinic staff, and others.
Continuing education opportunities
Professional volunteers may be eligible for Continuing education hours/units (CEH/CEU) for their participation in trainings provided through the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). CEH/CEU are administered through University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point Continuing Education.
To learn more about becoming a professional SHIP volunteer, please view this brochure, P-03499.
Where can I volunteer?
If you'd like to make a difference with the Wisconsin SHIP Medicare program, consider volunteering with:
- Your local aging office or local aging and disability resource center (ADRC), in person or remotely, based on local guidelines
- The Board on Aging and Long-Term Care’s Medigap Helpline, remotely or in an office in Madison
- The Disability Rights Wisconsin Medicare Part D Helpline, remotely
Other volunteer opportunities
You can volunteer remotely with the Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol, which works to help prevent, detect, and report health care fraud and abuse. Call 888-818-2611 to learn more.
Explore more volunteer opportunities.
Resources for professionals
Agencies seeking resources for volunteer recruitment and support should consult the Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources’ SHIP Volunteer Resources page