In Washington state, empower, educate and assist Medicare-eligible people, their families and caregiversthrough outreach, counseling and training. - The purpose of this project is to empower, educate, and assist Medicare-eligible individuals -- as well as the family and friends that support them -- to make timely, informed, effective decisions. This is based on their own financial and health care needs and their own values and priorities. We’ll do this through outreach, counseling, application assistance and case work; this will involve a collaboration centered on the combined efforts of trained volunteer advisors, and professional staff in partner organizations and our own agency. As a logic model, our “how” is this. The inputs, in addition to funding, of course, are (1) motivated volunteer advisors, a skilled work force of trainers and other specialists, and a developmental curriculum with (2) professional support for administration and marketing. The activities include (1) a progressive set of training programs designed to build proficiency among volunteers and partners (2) promoting awareness of the program as a trusted community resource for Medicare information through our web site, social media, and enhanced outreach through strategic partnerships. The outputs can be described using the SHIP performance measures and Part D enrollment outcomes. Additionally, we’re measuring performance using metrics related to quality assurance, risk management, building sustainable capacity, and learning from our experiences and those of others. The outcome / impact should be more people navigating this complex system better, with more confidence and calm – plus sustainable growth in volunteer-delivered assistance to those most in need. Significant products will include the materials used in training, outreach and recruiting as well as media, in various forms.
