SHICK Initial Training Requirements

SHICK Counselor/Volunteer Application Process

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.

  1. Learn more about the SHICK, SMP and MIPPA programs by viewing program websites
  2. Complete a SHICK Volunteer Partner Application (required for all applicants for initial training)
  3. Complete the application and return to the local SHICK coordinator (find your local coordinator)
  4. Coordinator will schedule and conduct an interview for suitability

After a Successful Interview

  • Coordinator forwards the application to the State SHICK office.

  • Coordinator provides information on the online Pre-Training below.
    1. Pre-Training study can begin immediately.
    2. Applicant can also register for Session 1 and Session 2 prior to completing the pre-training
  • The State SHICK emails the documents necessary to conduct a background check to the applicant.
    • Applicant completes the required background check forms and emails all required forms to [email protected], Or
    • Faxes required forms to (785) 296-0256, Attn SHICK Medicare Coordinator, Or
    • Mails the background check paperwork to the State SHICK office, 503 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, KS 66603.
  • Applicant does not need to wait for notification of the background check completion to begin Pre-Training courses.
  • State office performs background check. This process may take up to two months.
    • Sponsoring organization and applicant are notified of results.
  • Applicant completes online Pre-Training and registers for two 5-hour in-person (face-to-face or videoconference) - Session 1 Initial Training and Session 2 Initial Training
  • Once all training is completes, applicant will be certified as a Medicare Grants counselor

  • The new counselor should work with their local Coordinator for mentoring and to begin solo counseling with Medicare beneficiaries

Counselor Initial Training Instructions

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 final exam on all courses will need to be completed prior to attendance at the in-person training session.

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 1: Original Medicare Health Appeals

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
Special Topics 

Medicare Fraud, Errors, and Abuse

 30 

 

SMP Foundations Training

The SMP Foundations Training Curriculum provides a foundation of knowledge in three main content areas: the SMP program, Medicare basics, and Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse. Participants should allow approximately 2.5 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 GY2023 training schedule and registration is available at the SHICK Annual Training Calendar. Select your desired trainings and register for your training dates.

 

Counselor Initial Training Instructions

  • SHIP Technical Assistance Center Registration

    To register on the SHIP Technical Assistance Center (SHIP TA Center):

    1. Go to https://portal.shiptacenter.org/Login.aspx.
    2. Click on the green Submit request to be a Registered User box.
    3. Complete the required information on the Account Sign-up page and click the register box at the bottom.
      1. Select "SHIP Trainee" as your Role.
    4. You will receive an email at the email address you entered to confirm that it is a working email.
      1. You must confirm your email address through the link provided in the message within 24 hours. If it has been more than 24 hours, please contact the SHICK office to have the email resent.
    5. Once you have confirmed your email address, the State SHICK Office will approve your registration and schedule you for any required exams.

    (Registration on the SHIP Technical Assistance Center is available only for SHIP Counselors and SHIP Trainee counselors.)

  • SMP Resource Center Registration - SMP Foundations Training

    SMP Foundations training is accessed through the TRAX training system in the SMP Resource Library. Users must create an account by going to https://www.smpresource.org/Login.aspx.

    1. Click on the "Create an account" link under "Not a Member?".
    2. Click the "Become a Trainee" button.
    3. Complete the registration form. Fields marked with a red * are required.
    4. Enter this information for these specific fields
      1. Organization: * (Enter “Kansas”)
      2. Supervisor Name: * (Enter your supervisor or coordinator)
      3. SMP Role: * (Select “Counselor”)
      4. Paid Status: * (Select either “In-kind/Partner” if you will be counseling as part of your paid position or “Volunteer” if you will not be counseling as part of a paid position)
      5. State/Territory: * (Select “Kansas”)

    Your account will be automatically created. SHICK/SMP staff will assign the SMP Foundations curriculum to your account for completion. You will then be able to complete SMP Foundations training when  the training has been assigned.

    NOTE: If you select “Sign Up for Resource Library Access”, your account will NOT be automatically created. It requires approval. The Director, at approval, will select the access level: Trainee, Associate, or Coordinator.

  • Completing the SMP Foundations Training

    1. After logging in at https://www.smpresource.org/Login.aspx, you will be on the Welcome to TRAX page.
    2. Click on the “Take my Training” button at the bottom of the page.
    3. Your assigned training will display on the next page.
    4. You should review all four chapters, including the Medicare chapter, as the SMP Foundations Assessment will cover all four chapters.
      1. You may need to disable your pop-up blocker in your browser to view the chapters.
    5. The SMP Foundations manual is available as a PDF document to download.