SHINE

What is SHINE?

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE) provides free and unbiased health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers. SHINE is administered by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. It is partially funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services under State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and Barnstable County.

What is a SHINE Counselor?

A SHINE Counselor is a volunteer who is trained and certified by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs in the various options available to Medicare beneficiaries: Parts A, B, and D, Medicare Advantage, supplements/Medigaps. Counselors are also trained in public assistance programs: Prescription Advantage, MassHealth, Extra Help.

How can a SHINE Counselor help me?

• SHINE Counselors help Medicare beneficiaries, and their caregivers navigate the complex health insurance system and explain how it works in everyday language.
• SHINE Counselors can compare costs and benefits of options and help enroll in a health insurance program that best fits the beneficiary’s needs.
• A SHINE Counselor can help people with limited resources enroll in programs that help pay health insurance costs.

To make an appointment with a SHINE Counselor, contact your local Council on Aging, or contact the Regional SHINE Program: (508) 375-6762 or SHINE@capecod.gov.

Are You New to Medicare?

Below you will find a video link and tip guide to get you started. Feel free to contact the Regional SHINE office with any questions, or to set up a telephonic appointment.

Our number is 508-375-6762.

Beware of Misleading Health Insurance Advertisements

SHINE is very aware of advertising that can often be misleading and result in a beneficiary making changes to their health plans that are not the most beneficial. The state SHINE office produced this video to bring awareness to this advertising.

CAPE COD COUNCILS ON AGING (COA)

Publications and Data

Barnstable County Department of Human Services provides critical documents, resources, and related links relating to substance use.

Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE) provides free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare and their caregivers.

Related Local Publications and Data

The Official Site for Medicare Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).

United States Social Security Office Social Security is based on a simple concept: While you work, you pay taxes into the Social Security system, and when you retire or become disabled, you, your spouse and your dependent children receive monthly benefits that are based on your reported earnings. Also, your survivors can collect benefits if you die. For more information read A Snapshot (05-10006).

Click below to view the Cape and Islands Regional SHINE Program, July 2021 fact sheet.