Spanish Speaking Medicare (SHIP) Counselor

Medicare can be complex and hard to navigate. The Essex County State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free help to Medicare beneficiaries who have problems with, or questions about, their health insurance. Volunteer SHIP Counselors are trained to assist people with Medicare questions including providing information on Medigap plans, Part D coverage, claims, and benefits. Volunteers also answer questions regarding Medicaid and low-income assistance programs. Our main office is in West Orange, however, volunteers counsel at community sites such a libraries and community centers throughout the county. In person events are also held throughout the county during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct 15 - Dec 7). During the pandemic, we are providing services virtually via phone and zoom.

Volunteer counselors do not provide legal advice, sell, recommend, endorse any specific insurance product, agent, insurance company or plan. Volunteers cannot hold an active license to sell insurance.

We are especially in need of volunteers who are fluent in Spanish. A 40 hour hybrid training is required and a minimum of 4 hours per week for 1 year of commitment as a volunteer is asked. The next training will be held both online and in-person in May and June.

Volunteers must be age 55 or older and willing to submit to a background check.