SHINE  The Serving Health Information Need of Elders, the SHINE  program, is administered by The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in partnership with the Councils on Aging and other local agencies.  SHINE  provides free, unbiased and up-to-date health insurance information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The SHINE counselors help older persons (and younger disabled Medicare beneficiaries) understand their Medicare benefits and other health insurance options. If you need help with any aspect of your health insurance, including Medicare Part D, Prescription Advantage and the Medicare Advantage Plans, call 1-800-AGE-INFO for a confidential  SHINE appointment with a volunteer.  When you get the answering machine, leave your name and number and the volunteer will call you back as soon as possible. 

Consider becoming a Certified SHINE (Medicare) Counselor.  The next SHINE training will begin in February and take place two days per week over a five-week period in Natick, Massachusetts.  The need for trained individuals to educate and provide unbiased information has never been greater.  Seniors and disabled people on Medicare need assistance understanding the many and complex options they have available to them.  Through an intensive training program counselors become certified to explain health insurance options and protect consumers' rights.  Typically, SHINE counselors work an average of 4 hours per week.  They work one-on-one with seniors to educate, answer questions, solve problems, and screen for low-income health programs.  SHINE counselors also attend monthly meetings where they receive ongoing training, support and opportunities to share experiences and concerns with other counselors.  If you would like to make a difference or to learn more about SHINE, please call Dorene Nemeth, MetroWest Regional SHINE Director at (508) 532-5980, extension 4109.

  Medical Equipment on Loan  The Sherborn Council on Aging maintains a well-stocked closet of medical and ambulatory equipment.  These supplies are available for loan to seniors.  Before you buy, check with us.  Call 508-651-7858.