Volunteer Opportunity Details:

"When I go visit my senior center, all the members are so happy to see me! They make me tea, and often ask me questions about how Medicare works. I feel very lucky to be able to share information with this wonderful group!" Mary, SOS volunteer

*Do you enjoy speaking to groups?
*Would you like to help older people to understand their health care?
*Would you like to be informed about complicated and current health policy issues?
*Would you like to become an expert on Medicare?

SOS NYC engages volunteers in New York City to address seniors' health care questions and problems.
SOS NYC places volunteers at senior centers, religious institutions, public housing projects, clubs and other sites in New York City where they give brief presentations about particular Medicare topics each month. By going to the same senior center each month and talking about a different topic on Medicare (Medicare Minute) you establish rapport and allow your audience to learn about Medicare in manageable segments, and you establish rapport. By relating your knowledge to your audience, you become the Medicare expert! Additionally, by educating people on what health care they are entitled to under Medicare, you empower them to practice their rights.

If you are looking for a challenge and want to help the elderly navigate their Medicare system, we want you!

No prior knowledge of Medicare is necessary. MRC will provide all necessary training and materials at our Manhattan office.

You will be trained to:

• Keep older people informed about the latest information on Medicare, prescription drug programs and low income programs.
• Answer questions about Medicare and related topics.
• Provide information on resources to help older people manage their health care.
  
  

Volunteers should plan to make a commitment of 1 year, 4 hours/month, and attend a monthly Medicare update meeting with the rest of our SOS, hotline and enrollment volunteers at the beginning of each month at our Manhattan Office. Volunteers are also required to attend the training sessions, five 3-hour sessions also at our office.

Public speaking experience is a plus. English, Spanish and Chinese speakers welcome. An interest in Medicare insurance issues, and a dedication to helping others with their insurance issues would also be excellent.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Medicare Rights Center This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers Group/Corporate Groups Welcome Senior Citizens Welcome We need volunteers who are free at these times Mo Tu We Th Fr Sa Su Morning X X X X X Afternoon X X X X X Evening Monthly Contact Person: Lizaura German, Program Coordinator, (212) 204-6258, (email) View all organization contacts Address: 520 8th Ave, North Wing, 3rd Floor New York, NY 10018 (See a map) Directions: By subway,take Q, R, N, W, B, D, F, V, subways to Herald Square/34 St or take the 1, 2, 3, A, C, E to 34 Street. Our offices are located on 8th Ave, mid-way between 36 and 37 Streets. This is a secure building, you must show photo id to enter.   Nearest Metro/Subway Stop: 34 Street,   Walk distance (in minutes): 5-10 minutes   Nearest Bus Stop: 37 Street, 2 minutes minute walk Web Site: http://www.medicarerights.org Miscellaneous Information Borough Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens Volunteer Shifts Assignments will be made for weekdays in either morning or afternoon at a mutually convenient time for the volunteer and the center.