SHINE - Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone

This program provides free health insurance information, assistance, and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs supports the SHINE program in partnership with elder service agencies and Councils on Aging. SHINE is partially funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The SHINE Program ensures that healthcare consumers have a competent, committed, and compassionate consumer-focused network of volunteers who provide accurate and objective information through community programs at the state and local levels.

Making Informed Choices Easier

Our SHINE counselors are dedicated community volunteers who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs. They are able to explain many areas of health insurance including Medicare, Medigap, Medicare HMOs, prescription drug programs, MassHealth (Medicaid), and other health care assistance programs.

SHINE counselors help seniors and all Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and their other health insurance coverage. They also review present coverage, provide written benefits comparisons, prevent consumers from buying unnecessary or duplicate coverage, and help prepare health benefit claim forms, appeals, and applications. All information is kept strictly confidential.

Help is a Phone Call Away

If you have questions concerning health insurance, Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, etc., call the Council on Aging office (978) 318-3020 to set up an appointment to meet with one of our friendly and capable SHINE counselors.