Health Insurance (SHINE)

Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone....on Medicare (SHINE)

This program provides free unbiased health insurance information, assistance, and counseling to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages and their caregivers. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs supports the SHINE program in partnership with elder service agencies and Councils on Aging. SHINE is partially funded federally by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Mission of SHINE

SHINE provides FREE unbiased health insurance counseling, information, and assistance to Massachusetts residents with Medicare, their caregivers, and those approaching Medicare eligibility. 

SHINE Counselors

SHINE counselors are dedicated community volunteers who are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to explain many areas of health insurance including Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage plans, prescription drug programs, MassHealth (Medicaid),  and other healthcare assistance programs. Additionally, SHINE counselors will review eligibility for Public Assistance programs such as Prescription Advantage, Extra Help from Social Security, MassHealth, and other programs to assist beneficiaries with limited resources to pay for healthcare costs. 

SHINE counselors help seniors and all Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and their other health insurance coverage. Counselors also review present coverage, provide written benefits comparisons, prevent consumers from buying unnecessary or duplicate coverage, and help prepare health benefit claim forms, appeals, and applications.

Additional Information

All information is kept strictly confidential. If you have questions concerning health insurance, Medicare, Medigap, Medicaid, etc., call the Council on Aging office at 781-235-3961 and make an appointment to speak with our SHINE counselor. Appointments are live, in-house.

*Attestation Date 01/25/24