Please following the instructions and information in the list below to learn more about becoming a SHICK counselor/volunteer. Click on the blue hyperlinks for more information.
- Learn more about the SHICK, SMP and MIPPA programs by viewing program websites
- Complete a SHICK Volunteer Partner Application (required for all applicants for initial training)
- Complete the application and return to the local SHICK coordinator (find your local coordinator)
- Coordinator will schedule and conduct an interview for suitability
After a Successful Interview
- Applicant does not need to wait for notification of the background check completion to begin Pre-Training courses.
Pre-Training Requirements
Online pre-training consists of online training through the SHIP Technical Assistance Center and the SMP Resource Center. Registration for both websites is required.
Applicants may also find the SHICK Counselor Handbook helpful while studying the pre-training courses. It is available as a PDF at the SHICK Counselor Information and Resource Page.
SHIP Technical Assistance Center Training Courses
Counselors will complete the online video courses listed below through the Courses link on the SHIP TA Center Online Counselor Certification Tool (OCCT). The "Test Your Knowledge" quiz must be completed after each course. A passing score is 80%. Applicants do NOT need a perfect score to pass.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Pre-training requirements do NOT include all video courses found on the SHIP TA Center. Only the courses listed below and on the SHICK Pre-Training Tracking Worksheet are required.
Level
|
Course title
|
Seat time
|
Level 1: Medicare Basics
|
Course 1: Health Insurance Terms
|
35
|
Level 1: Medicare Basics
|
Course 2: Medicare Overview
|
25
|
Level 1: Medicare Basics
|
Course 3: Medicare Options
|
30
|
Level 1: Medicare Basics
|
Course 4: Enrollment Periods
|
30
|
Level 2: Medicare Coverage Rules
|
Course 1: Part A (Hospital Insurance)
|
30
|
Level 2: Medicare Coverage Rules
|
Course 2: Part B (Medical Insurance)
|
30
|
Level 2: Medicare Coverage Rules
|
Course 3: Part D (Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit)
|
45
|
Level 2: Medicare Coverage Rules
|
Course 4: Medigap Plans (Supplemental Insurance)
|
35
|
Level 2: Medicare Coverage Rules
|
Course 5: Medicare Advantage Plans
|
50
|
Level 3: Appeals and Penalties
|
Course 4: Enrollment Penalties and IRMAA
|
45
|
Level 4: Other Insurance and Assistance Programs
|
Course 1: Medicare and Employer Insurance
|
35
|
Level 4: Other Insurance and Assistance Programs
|
Course 2: Medicare and Other Insurances
|
25
|
Level 4: Other Insurance and Assistance Programs
|
Course 3: Medicare and Medicaid
|
45
|
Level 4: Other Insurance and Assistance Programs
|
Course 4: Medicare Assistance Programs
|
35
|
Special Topics
|
Privacy and Confidentiality
|
35
|
SMP Foundations Training (for SHIP Counselors) |
through the SMP Resource Center |
90 including assessment |
Please download the Pre-Training Tracking Worksheet available here or below to help track your progress on the required pre-training courses.
SMP Foundations Training (For SHIP Counselors)
Complete after completing the Medicare training on the SHIP TA Center
This SMP Foundations Training Curriculum is specifically for SHIP-trained team members who have already received training on Medicare basics. This training provides a foundation of knowledge in two main content areas: the SMP program and Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Participants should allow approximately 1.5 hours to complete the entire online course.
In-Person Initial Training
Once all required pre-training courses have been certified, the new applicant is required to attend two scheduled training sessions, either in-person on-site at a selected location or via videoconferencing individually at their home or office.
These in-person Initial Training Courses will be conducted on two nonconsecutive days, with a 5-hour in-person session each day.
Session 1 SHICK Initial Training - Medicare Basics
Session 2 SHICK Initial Training - Program Basics
If all pre-training courses are not completed prior to the applicant's scheduled in-person training, the applicant will not be eligible to attend the final in-person trainings.
The GY2024 training schedule and registration will be available at the SHICK Annual Training Calendar. Select your desired date/location and register for your training dates.