RECRUITMENT ON HOLD DUE TO THE COVID PANDEMIC
Healthcare coverage is a complex subject matter and the information often changes from year to year. To make an informed decision, seniors need to understand the options available to them. HIICAP Volunteers provide counseling and respond to questions on Medicare and related health insurance, including Part A and Part B, Medicare Supplement insurance, Medicare Advantage, and Part D prescription drug coverage and programs that help with Medicare costs. Assistance is offered by telephone or through in-person appointments at a counseling site to provide current and impartial information. HIICAP does not endorse or sell any products and counselors do not conduct home visits.
If you are patient, able to grasp a large body of information and can communicate clearly with seniors, become a HIICAP volunteer. You can help alleviate some of the stress associated with understanding health insurance plan options. DFTA provides extensive initial training to HIICAP volunteers and then asks volunteers to keep up to date on healthcare benefits through in-service meetings and newsletters.
Tasks:
- Provide counseling and respond to seniors’ questions on Medicare and related health insurance by telephone or in-person appointments.
Skills Preferred:
- Computer Skills including Internet searches and Email. Comfortable with learning new computer applications.
- Ability to speak a language other than English desired (preferably Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese, Russian), but not required.
Training:
- 2-day training program provided for qualified applicants plus additional online training.
- Receive mentoring by an experienced HIICAP counselor.
- Regular in-service meetings to keep up to date.
Time Commitment:
- Volunteers serve one day per week (Monday-Friday) from 4-6 hours between 9:00 am 5:00 pm
- One-year commitment required
Requirements:
- Ability to comprehend and clearly explain complex health insurance information to older adults.
- Possess patience and empathy for older adults.
- Possess computer skills for on-line research and communication with HIICAP staff.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality when dealing with program participants. Need to have a shredder when counseling remotely from home.
- Successfully complete program training.
- Pass the NYS HIICAP certification exam.
