SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)

The SHINE Program is a network of volunteer health benefits counselors who have been trained and certified to provide information and assistance regarding health insurance and benefits to older people, disabled Medicare beneficiaries, and their family, partners, and caregivers.

Services

SHINE Counselors:

• Offer education about Medicare and other health insurance coverage
• Evaluate health insurance needs
• Review present health coverage to maximize benefit for cost
• Provide information about prescription drug coverage options
• Help with health benefit claims or billing problems
• Assist in completing applications for health benefit programs

Eligibility

• Residents of Somerville or Cambridge age 60 or older
  
  For office appointments, call one of the following agencies:
  Cambridge Council On Aging - 617-349-6220
  Somerville Council On Aging - 617-625-6600, x2300
  Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services - 617-628-2601, x3151
  
  For in-home appointments, call:
  Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services - 617-628-2601, x3151
  
• Residents of other communities age 60 or older
  Call 1-800-AGE-INFO (TTY 1-800-0166)

Fees

• Free

Massachusetts Health Information
Including Medigap and Medicare RX Plans