Medicare Counselor
Medicare Educator
Fraud Warrior
Office Support
Homestead Exemption Counselor
Medicare counselors provide objective, accurate, and confidential assistance to Medicare beneficiaries by appointment in the VAS office, at locations where seniors gather, or at local businesses. New volunteers complete a two-day initial training, with a one-day update training held each spring and fall for existing volunteers. Beyond that, volunteers choose their level of involvement (weekly volunteers and volunteers for Medicare’s Annual Open Enrollment period).
Medicare Educators present information on Medicare programs to businesses and community organizations. Those wishing to be educators must be comfortable speaking to large groups, and attend the same training as Medicare counselors.
Fraud Warriors assist in gathering information and submitting reports to Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) and/or present information about Medicare fraud to public groups and organizations. Requires Medicare training as well as SMP training.
Office Support volunteers will assist in answering phones, scheduling appointments and data entry. Requires Medicare training.
Homestead Exemption Counselors will assist seniors with their Homestead Exemption applications, relieving them from some or all of their property taxes. Events are arranged with the Douglas County Assessor’s office and held throughout Omaha, March through June. Volunteers must be able to use a calculator and be good with numbers.
