How Does the SHICK Program Help Individuals?
Our local Senior Health Insurance Counseling Program for Kansans (SHICK) is a partnership between the Johnson County Area Agency on Aging and the Kansas Department on Aging. The mission of SHICK is to educate the public and assist consumers on topics related to Medicare and health insurance so they can make informed decisions. SHICK strives to provide extensive information about Medicare and Medicare supplement insurance options so consumers can select the insurance option that best fits their needs. SHICK volunteers provide assistance to people on a one-on-one basis so they can focus on the needs of that individual.
SHICK volunteers use the comprehensive Kansas Medicare Supplement Insurance Shopper’s Guide to guide people to their decision point. The guide explains the 10 different plan types and the two HMO options that are approved for sale by the Kansas Department on Insurance; the standard benefits of each plan type and a list of the companies offering each plan type and their premiums for the plans. After working through the information in the Guide, most people will find that there are two or three companies that offer the coverage that best fits their needs. The SHICK volunteer does not recommend or decide which plan a person should buy. The volunteer provides guidance but leaves the final decision up to the consumer.
SHICK volunteers are currently assisting people with information about the new Medicare Discount Drug Program. With 43 different sponsors offering cards in our area, the decisions of whether or not to get a card and which card to purchase can be overwhelming. A SHICK volunteer with internet access can research all options for an individual based on their current medications and provide the individual with the information. The volunteer provides information so the individual can make an informed choice.
SHICK volunteers assist individuals in applying for low-cost or no cost prescription drug assistance when the individual cannot afford the medications prescribed by their physician. This can be a very paperwork intensive process. Not all drug companies offer this benefit. A person taking drugs manufactured by different drug companies may be required to complete two applications with different requirements. Each drug company that participates has its own application process. Most require that the physician complete paperwork to complete the application. The SHICK volunteer often acts as an advocate for the individual by getting all the necessary paperwork signed by a physician and submitted to the drug company. Due to the new Medicare Discount Drug Cards, the future of the prescription drug assistance programs currently provided by drug companies is unclear.
SHICK volunteers also assist individuals by providing information and a “shopper’s guide” for Long-Term Care Insurance. This guide is published by the Kansas Insurance Department and provides information about what consumers should consider before buying a long-term care insurance policy.
Finally, SHICK volunteers assist individuals who are overwhelmed with their medical bills. The volunteers will help individuals sort out what medical services are covered in part or completely by Medicare and a supplemental insurance policy. In some cases, the volunteers will advocate on behalf of the individual to ensure that the individual does not pay for medical expanses that are covered by their health insurance plans.
If you need the assistance of a SHICK volunteer counselor, please contact our volunteer coordinator at 913-715-8856.
Human Services & Aging
11811 S. Sunset Drive, Suite #1300
Olathe, KS 66061-7056
(913) 715-8800 : voice
(913) 715-8825 : fax
(913) 894-8822 : TTY
E-mail