Volunteer Opportunity Details:

Make a difference! Help people with Medicare get the services they need.
The Medicare Rights Center Volunteer Hotline Counselor assists people with Medicare issues from across the country. Through one-on-one counseling and informal advocacy, MRC Hotline Counselors support the independence of people to make choices that affect their health and financial well-being.

Counselor responsibilities include:

Counseling: Provide individual counseling one-on-one to people with Medicare calling our Manhattan office regarding Medicare billing and claims problems, Medicare supplemental insurance, HMOs, and other private health insurance. You will answer callers’ questions and provide guidance on a wide range of Medicare issues.

Advocacy: Ensure that clients' rights under Medicare and related health insurance benefits are upheld and make referrals when appropriate.

Benefits Screening: Screen clients for eligibility for low-income entitlement programs to help with the costs of Medicare insurance and prescription costs.

No prior knowledge of Medicare needed. We will provide training 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 are required to attend five three-hour training sessions, as well as monthly Medicare update meetings with SOS, hotline and enrollment volunteers, which will be held during your volunteer shift. Some computer knowledge is required.

Volunteers are expected to make a commitment of one year, for one hotline shift a week. Hotline shifts are 9a–1p and 1p–5p Monday through Friday. Additionally, on Wednesday evenings another hotline shift is available from 6p–8p.

This opportunity is sponsored by: Medicare Rights Center We are looking for volunteers with the following skills Administrative & Clerical Teaching & Coaching Medical & Scientific This volunteer opportunity addresses the following social interests Legal & Justice People with Disabilities Human Rights Seniors This volunteer opportunity is available to the following types of volunteers 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 X 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 Manhattan Volunteer Shifts Monday through Friday, between 9 to 1 or 1 to 5:00. And Wednesday evenings from 6 - 8.We ask volunteers to come in one shift a week. Some volunteers choose to come in more frequently.