Understanding Medicare and other health insurance options can be confusing, especially when faced with changing plans, enrollment deadlines, prescription coverage decisions, and cost-saving programs. At Empowering Support for Wellness & Aging (ESWA), the SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) program provides free, unbiased health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, individuals approaching Medicare eligibility, and their caregivers. As a regional SHINE office, ESWA helps individuals throughout the region navigate their health insurance options and make informed decisions about their coverage.
SHINE counselors are specially trained and certified to provide guidance on a wide range of health insurance topics, including Medicare Parts A and B, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance, prescription drug coverage, MassHealth, Medicare Savings Programs, and other benefits that may help reduce healthcare costs. Counseling is confidential, personalized, and focused on helping individuals understand their options without pressure or sales influence.
Whether you are enrolling in Medicare for the first time, reviewing your coverage during Open Enrollment, comparing plan options, or looking for programs that can help lower your healthcare or prescription expenses, SHINE counselors can help you understand the choices available to you. Counselors can also assist with applications for eligible cost-saving programs and help individuals identify benefits they may not realize they qualify for.
As the regional SHINE office, ESWA recruits, trains, and supports volunteer SHINE counselors who help Medicare beneficiaries throughout the region navigate their health insurance options.
SHINE counseling is available through appointments at community locations, including Councils on Aging, senior centers, libraries, hospitals, and other community settings. Assistance may also be available for homebound individuals.
For many people, health insurance decisions can feel overwhelming. ESWA’s SHINE program helps simplify the process by providing trusted information, one-on-one support, and guidance tailored to each person’s unique circumstances. Our goal is to help individuals make confident decisions that support their healthcare needs, financial well-being, and peace of mind.
