The SHINE Program (Serving Health Information Needs of Everyone) is a state health insurance assistance program that provides free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers.
The SHINE Program is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with elder service agencies, social service and community-based agencies, and Councils on Aging. The program is partially funded by the federal agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Ethos hosts the SHINE program in Boston.
About the SHINE Program
The SHINE Program assists elders and individuals with disabilities in understanding their Medicare and MassHealth benefits and other health insurance options. Our goal is to ensure that Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers have access to accurate, unbiased, and up-to-date information about their health care options. Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15 to December 7, a crucial time to review and make changes to your coverage.
SHINE counselors are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide personalized assistance in areas such as Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D; Medigap insurance, Medicare HMOs, retiree insurance plans, prescription drug programs, Medicaid, Medicare assistance programs (QMB, SLMB, and QI), and other programs for people with limited resources.
How Can a SHINE Counselor Help Me?
Our counselors can review your current coverage, provide written comparisons of plans, protect you from paying for unnecessary bills, and prevent duplicate coverage. They also assist with claim forms and applications, and make referrals when appropriate. SHINE counselors are available to meet with individuals in person, via telephone, email, and through public education presentations.
Typical Questions for SHINE Counselors
- What does Medicare pay for?
- What is “Medigap” insurance?
- Which Medigap policy is best for me? When can I buy a Medigap policy?
- Where can I get help paying for my prescription drugs?
- What is “Medicare + Choice” or a “Medicare Health Plan”?
- How do I appeal a denial of service under Medicare or a Medicare HMO?
- What do “balance billing” and “accepting assignment” mean?
- Is an HMO better for me?
- If I join a Medicare HMO, will I have to change physicians?
- Does Medicare or Medigap insurance pay for nursing home or home health care?
- Where do I go to apply for Medicaid?
- Do I qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?
- When can I sign up for Medicare Part B? Can I get help paying for the monthly premium?
Where can I find a SHINE counselor?
If you live in Boston, SHINE counselors are available at Ethos. To schedule an appointment with a counselor, please call 617-522-9270 or fill out the form below to request an appointment. For residents outside of Boston, SHINE counselors are available at local Councils on Aging, senior centers, elder service agencies, hospitals, and other community-based agencies.
How Can I Become a SHINE Counselor or Have a Counselor Work at My Agency?
If you would like to volunteer for the SHINE Program, or are interested in recruiting a SHINE Counselor for your site within Boston, please contact Ethos at 617-522-9270 or email SHINE@ethocare.org. For all other areas, please contact your local regional SHINE Program Director at 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636).
How do I contact the Boston SHINE Program at Ethos?
Boston SHINE Program
C/O Ethos
555 Amory Street
Jamaica Plain, MA 02130
T: 617-522-9270
SHINE@ethocare.org
CONTACT THE SHINE PROGRAM AT ETHOS
