Bonnie Stewart recently completed training to be a SHIP volunteer for this area. SHIP stands for Senior Health Insurance Program and is a free statewide health insurance counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. SHIP is sponsored by the Illinois Division of Insurance. This state agency provides initial training, continuing education and support to its volunteers.

SHIP is not affiliated with any insurance company, and its counselors do not sell or solicit any type of insurance. Bonnie was trained by the Illinois Division of Insurance to educate and answer questions about Medicare, Medicare Supplement, long term care insurance, Medicare HMOs, private fee-for-service and other health insurance, claims processing and appealing claim denials. R.S.V.P. (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) is the local sponsoring organization.

Bonnie has volunteered her time to help clients to better understand Medicare and what it provides or doesn't provide for them, and she will provide comparables of supplemental insurance companies to help the client choose the company best suitable for them. She also helps them to understand which drug prescription card would be best for them depending on which medications they are currently taking.

You can call her for an appointment. She works at La Harpe Davier Health Care Center at (217) 659-3222, as their Social Services Director. You can set up an appointment to meet with her at her office or at your home. If your club or organization would like a speaker to come in and explain more about S.H.I.P., Bonnie can help you in this area also.