SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the State of Florida legislature and offered through the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs at no cost to you. Specially-trained volunteers can assist you with your Medicare, Medicaid, prescription drug and health insurance questions by providing information, comparing policies and helping with claims and appeals.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE?
If you are a Medicare beneficiary or acting on behalf of a beneficiary and need more information or assistance related to Medicare or Medicaid, the SHINE program can help!
WHAT SERVICES ARE OFFERED?
SHINE volunteers provide counseling and information at no cost about your health insurance coverage including:
- Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Supplements, Long-Term Care Insurance, Medicare Supplement Insurance, Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Prescription Drug Programs
- Comparing policies, interpreting health insurance coverage and getting answers to your questions
- Providing educational presentations in the community on a variety of Medicare-related topics
- Participating in senior expositions and health fairs
HOW CAN I GET ASSISTANCE?
If you reside in Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Highlands or Hardee County in Florida, please contact us directly by calling:
| 1-800-336-2226 Option 2 |
If you reside elsewhere in Florida, please call 1-800-96-ELDER (1-800-963-5337) for the SHINE site nearest you or visit the Department of Elder Affairs SHINE web site by clicking here.
SHINE VIDEOS
Videos are now available which discuss several topics related to health insurance, prescriptions, and other needs of seniors. To access our video page, please click here.
CAN I HELP?
Sure you can! Become a volunteer and help others! All SHINE volunteers are fully trained by the State of Florida Department of Elder Affairs. If you enjoy helping others and can give as little as sixteen hours a month, we really want to talk with you!
Pick up the phone and contact Dani Gray, our Volunteer Manager, at 813-676-5593, or you can contact her online by clicking here.