SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)

SHINE is a state health insurance assistance program for elder Floridians in which trained volunteer counselors give free, unbiased assistance and information to elders and their family members who have questions or problems with Medicare and other health insurance programs.

Website: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/shine/counseling/psa3_alachua.html

Contact: Margaret Shaw, (352) 378-6649

Address: 5700 SW 34^th Street Ste 222, Gainesville, FL 32608

Who they are: SHINE is a statewide program of the Department of Elder Affairs in which trained volunteer counselors provide free Medicare counseling.

What they do: Through individual counseling and group presentations, SHINE volunteers empower Florida Medicare beneficiaries, their family members and caregivers to make informed decisions about Medicare, Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, Medicaid programs, prescription assistance programs, long-term care insurance and Medicare supplemental insurance.

What YOU can do to help: If you are interested in volunteering with SHINE, contact Margaret Shaw at (352) 378-6649.