Department of Social Services
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, July  2, 2003
For More Information: Alisa DeMers, 773-3609

SHIINE Helps People
with Medicare and Health Insurance Issues

(Pierre) – Most people feel overwhelmed as health insurance becomes more and more complicated. If you receive Medicare, health insurance may mean mountains of paperwork and confusing claim forms.

The Senior Health Information and Insurance Education (SHIINE) Program helps educate Medicare beneficiaries and their families on Medicare and Medicare Plus Choice issues, as well as private health insurance policies like long-term care insurance and Medicare supplemental insurance. According to Gail Ferris, administrator of the SD Department of Social Services’ Adult Services and Aging Program, SHIINE counselors can answer questions about benefits, help with confusing forms and provide referrals to the appropriate agencies for state aid.

Counseling topics include: Medicare Part A and B, Medicare summary notices, Medicare appeals, Medicare Savings Program, Share Care Program, Medicare supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance, prescription drug programs and organizing medical bills for payment.

“SHIINE volunteers offer people the objective help they need in complete confidence,” Ferris said. “They are not affiliated with any insurance company and will not sell or solicit for insurance. SHIINE volunteers provide straight answers and unbiased assistance free of charge.” 

SHIINE volunteers must complete extensive training and yearly updates to keep them current with program changes. Ferris said many SHIINE volunteers are on Medicare themselves. 

SHIINE volunteers are located throughout the state and are available to counsel by telephone or in person. For more information, contact SHIINE at 1-800-536-8197. In Sioux Falls or out-of-state, call (605) 333-3314. 

SHIINE is a federally-funded program administered by Adult Services and Aging and The Center for Active Generations, in partnership with the SD Division of Insurance and SDSU Cooperative Extension Service. 

– 30 –