SHINE Program offers savings to seniorsDate: 10/21/2016 SPRINGFIELD – Mayor Domenic J. Sarno recently announced savings to seniors provided by the Department of Elder Affairs’ SHINE Program for fiscal year 2017 of $5.3 million.
Reported by the state’s Executive Office of Elder Affairs, SHINE – Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone – worked with seniors throughout Hampden County to save a total of $5,327,020 as a result of counseling services for health insurance savings. The savings were accumulated during the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30.
During FY16, SHINE counselors, under the direction of SHINE Regional Director Alicia Germain, counseled nearly 3,000 senior citizens and guided them through the various health care insurance programs available for Medicare beneficiaries. The local SHINE Program saved more than $2,060 per client served during this period.
Sarno said, “Health care insurance can be confusing to young and old. I commend all of the SHINE counselors and Director Denney on providing not only this important service to our seniors, but more importantly, improving their quality of life too.”
Elder Affairs Director Janet Rodriguez Denney said, “I am proud to say the Springfield Department of Elder Affairs and the Hampden County SHINE Program work every day to serve the health care insurance needs of our elders. Our elderly population, on fixed incomes, depends on this program and our volunteers to bring those savings which substantially affect their everyday lives. Our dedicated staff and volunteers make an incredible difference in our seniors’ lives each and every day.”
Medicare Open Enrollment is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7. The SHINE Program can help to sort information and assist in choosing different plans for 2017. Plans have been consolidated, prices have increased, the “Donut Hole” is higher, and some plans have dropped more than 37 medications off of their formularies. This year seniors are encouraged to examine their plans against others for sale to make sure they will be properly insured in 2017.
Medicare beneficiaries interested in the SHINE Program can call 750-2893 to schedule an appointment with a volunteer, or visit www.springfield-ma.gov/elderaffairs/index.php?id=shine.
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