The Arkansas Senior Health Insurance Information Program (AR SHIIP) provides Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers with unbiased guidance in addressing their healthcare needs. - PROJECT ABSTRACT The Arkansas Department of Commerce – Arkansas Insurance Department (AID) has managed the Senior Health Insurance Information Program (AR SHIIP) since 2009, through funding grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). This continuous support allows the agency to partner with a diverse range of vendors and volunteers statewide to provide free and unbiased guidance and education regarding Medicare. AR SHIIPs commitment with our partners/vendors, certified counselors/team members, and volunteers is to ensure that they are trained, certified, and prepared to assist the 654,597 Medicare beneficiaries in Arkansas this information is based on the SHIP Performance Measure Report, from project period April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Our primary objective is to empower seniors with the information and education regarding Medicare. The division has launched a comprehensive program aimed at helping residents access vital services for safe, healthy, and independent living. Our partners and team members receive ongoing training and are equipped to provide Medicare counseling with the essential tools for effective support. AR SHIIP follows and enforces the Volunteer Risk and Program Management (VRPM) policies for all volunteers. A set of clear and structured strategies is in place to guide each candidate through the process. Medicare Educator Counselors are responsible for annually developing the certification standards, exams, and requirements for volunteers. These procedures are designed to ensure that all team members—whether paid, in-kind, or volunteers—are properly certified to deliver SHIP services in an objective and thorough manner. The division is currently revamping its advertising and outreach efforts. It's important to note that the State of Arkansas is working to centralize communication and information, which may result in AR SHIIP being required to use a state-selected advertising firm. Despite this, AR SHIIP remains committed to maintaining its core message, established in 2018: the program is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, UNBIASED, and EDUCATIONAL. AR SHIIP remains a leader in social media outreach, utilizing this as a key network for the program, boosting the message and stabilizing it across all media platforms, including local AM radio stations, morning shows, and newspapers, to allow top-to-bottom visibility.
