Volunteers are an integral part of the Medicare Rights Center. Their efforts directly help us improve access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities with Medicare. Volunteers are primarily responsible for providing counseling and assistance through our telephone hotline and help with MRC's education and outreach activities.
Volunteer positions are ideal for individuals with an interest in not-for-profit organizations, services for older adults and the disabled, and/or health policy. Prior experience is not necessary, as we provide introductory and ongoing training. The MRC Volunteer Hotline Counselor assists people with Medicare with health insurance issues. Through one-on-one counseling and informal advocacy, MRC Hotline Counselors support the independence of people to make choices that affect their health and financial well-being.
COUNSELOR RESPONSIBILITIES:
COUNSELING: Provide individual counseling to people with Medicare regarding Medicare billing and claims problems, Medicare supplemental insurance, HMOs, long-term care insurance, and other private health insurance.
ADVOCACY: Ensure that clients' rights under Medicare and related health insurance benefits are upheld and make referrals when appropriate.
Attendance at training sessions is mandatory. Our volunteers come in at least once a week for a five hour shift during the times the hotline is open: Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-2:00pm.
COUNSELOR QUALIFICATIONS:
If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Betty Duggan, Volunteer Coordinator by phone: 212-869-3850 ext. 29, or by e-mail.
_________________________________