AR SHIIP program would not be able to serve the Medicare beneficiaries of Arkansas if it were not for the coordinators and counselors that we have across the state.
In an effort to reach the Medicare beneficiary at the local level, we have 36 Sponsoring Organizations statewide. Each of these organizations chooses a person who becomes the AR SHIIP coordinator. They are critical to AR SHIIP program’s effectiveness and efficiencies. Without them, very little would be accomplished. They are at the community level connecting with all 75 counties across Arkansas. We focus our training on them, helping ensure they’re better to support the Medicare beneficiaries whom they serve every day.
However, it is important that individuals understand there are several things that our volunteer and partner Counselors are NOT:
- They do NOT offer advice, or any information that could be construed as legal advice.
- They are NOT affiliated with the insurance industry.
- They are NOT a financial planner.
- They do NOT sell, recommend, or endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company or health maintenance organization.
- They are NOT going to make any decisions for the beneficiary. They will show the beneficiaries their options, so the beneficiary may make a more informed decision.
What AR SHIIP Offers
- Free, Confidential Counseling: An opportunity to speak with real people, not automated systems
- Medicare.gov: Get information about how and when to enroll in medicare.
- Assistance with Medicare Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage