Commissioner Causey honors SHIIP volunteers during National Volunteer Week

As the nation honors volunteer service, Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey is recognizing the SHIIP volunteers across North Carolina who help our senior citizens with Medicare.

Volunteers help drive the mission of the Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), counseling Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D and long-term care insurance. The NC Senior Medicare Patrol, a division of SHIIP, also empowers seniors to identify, resolve, and/or report billing errors, fraud, abuse and waste. North Carolina now has 2.2 million Medicare beneficiaries and nearly 700 certified SHIIP counselors across all 100 counties.

"I want to thank all of our SHIIP volunteers, past, present and future, for helping millions of seniors and disabled residents over the years," Commissioner Causey said. "Training is rigorous and takes time, but is so important in getting folks the help they deserve."

NC SHIIP Director Melinda Munden added, "As SHIIP prepares to celebrate 40 years this September, we're reminded that volunteers have always been, and continue to be, the backbone of this program. Their willingness to give their time, share their knowledge, and offer patient, compassionate guidance has made a lasting difference for Medicare beneficiaries across North Carolina. Because of our volunteers, so many people feel more confident and supported as they navigate important decisions about their health coverage."

Since the program's creation in 1986, North Carolina's SHIIP has become a role model for other states, earning two national awards for innovative and exemplary service. Find local SHIIP volunteers by going to https://www.ncshiip.com.

National Volunteer Week 2026 runs from April 19-25. This week-long observance honors the dedication and impact of volunteers who strengthen communities through selfless service.

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