MUSCATINE, Iowa–Initially, Kim Thompson came to the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), housed by Senior Resources, when she and her husband had questions about enrolling in Medicare. She felt impressed by the assistance they received and remembered them fondly. “Dennis Inman, who served the Muscatine SHIIP team and many, many seniors for over 10 years, provided us with solid, unbiased information that helped us make our decision,” she remembers.
Two years later, Thompson saw a flyer in the mail encouraging people to volunteer as SHIIP counselors. She quickly warmed to the idea. “I was ready to get involved in volunteer activities of some sort, and since our personal experience had been so positive, I thought I would give it a try,” she said.
Thompson has volunteered for SHIIP for five years. She currently serves as a counselor and volunteer coordinator. Along with walking people through their Medicare options and helping them sign up for the best plan for them, Thompson also communicates with the state SHIIP office in Des Moines on official matters and procedural questions, keeps the office fully stocked, and coordinates meetings with the other Marianna Haas, Paul Kraushaar, Kay Temple, and John Wojtecki.
Although volunteering for SHIIP entails a lot of work, Thompson likes supporting people in making savvy decisions when choosing their Medicare plans. “I enjoy helping people understand their Medicare choices, as well as providing assistance when unique situations arise,” she explained. “It is so very rewarding to be able to help individuals save money and provide clarity to their questions on Medicare.”
Kim Thompson (right) received a Governor’s Volunteer Award from Governor Kim Reynolds. Photo cortesy of Senior Resources.
Thompson also appreciates the mental stimulation working with something as complex as Medicare provides. She noted, “Medicare changes all the time, and, as counselors, we are required to stay informed on those changes and how they impact our clients.”
Earlier this year, Thompson learned from Volunteer Iowa that Senior Resources generally would receive honors for their handling of SHIIP and that she would get a Governor’s Volunteer Award for her dedication to the program. She felt gratified to receive the award. “I was honored to receive this award for five years of volunteer service,” she shared. “Although I thoroughly enjoy this volunteer experience, it is nice to be recognized for my efforts.”
SHIIP helps numerous people sign up for Medicare and realize savings each year. Though SHIIIP does well with its current volunteer counselors, Thompson encourages more people to volunteer so that SHIIP can serve even more older adults. ” I would encourage others to volunteer as a SHIIP counselor for the same reasons I stay involved: helping others, saving clients money (sometimes substantial amounts), educating clients to enable them to make smart Medicare choices for themselves, keeping my skills sharp, and working with a great team!” she urged.
Anyone wanting to volunteer for SHIIP can call Senior Resources at 563-263-7292 and leave a voicemail. SHIIP volunteers will then call them back and help them start the process. All SHIIP counselors begin by completing an online training course, followed by continuing education opportunities. Throughout the learning process, local volunteers and those in Des Moines provide valuable assistance, ensuring new volunteers feel supported and achieve the same success Thompson and her fellow counselors have.
