Volunteer Feature Article

 

Jim Jonson has been volunteering within the AACOG Area Agencies on Aging Benefits Counseling program for the past year and a half.  He has provided a great deal of assistance to Medicare beneficiaries with the Medicare Part D program as well as other public benefit issues.  We asked Jim about his experiences in volunteering at AACOG. 

 

“After moving to San Antonio, I became aware of AACOG and Area Agencies on Aging as a result of an outreach for volunteers listed in the local newspaper in the summer of 2005. The request related specifically to the Medicare Part D Prescription drug Program. I knew something about the Program due to the increasing media publicity. After attending the first couple of training meetings I knew working with the program would be challenging but “fun!” I’ve always enjoyed details and numbers and the Part D Program certainly involves both!

 

I volunteered and quickly became involved with making presentations about the program and doing screenings for seniors at assisted living centers and at community centers around the area. Although once again, in the latter months of 2006, I seem to be spending most of my time on Medicare Part D questions, enrollment, etc. I have since become more involved with all the other facets of being a volunteer benefits counselor and working with seniors and disabled persons and those who call the agencies and occasionally walk-in clients with a myriad of questions and problems.

 

I had a successful career with the Federal Reserve System and retired early as a senior officer. Since I’m fortunate to retain full benefits and achieved some success with personal investments, I realized it was important that I give something back to the community.

 

I remain involved in the volunteer work with AACOG for two principal reasons. The expression of thanks from someone or the simple smile on their face when you can solve a problem for them or find a Part D plan that will cut their monthly prescription medication bill in half or more is a priceless experience. The other reason is the professional attitude and the friendliness of the everyday staff at the agencies that I get to interact with and learn from.”

 

Alamo and Bexar Area Agencies on Aging volunteer programs are seeking volunteers to assist seniors age 60 and older and their caregivers in their community. There are many opportunities to become involved in your community.  One volunteer opportunity is Benefits Counseling.  Benefits Counselors assist seniors and their caregivers with public benefits and private health insurance such as Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Part D drug program, Star+Plus, Social Security, pensions and health insurance issues. Another opportunity is to become an Ombudsman and advocate for residents of nursing and assisted living facilities.

 

To learn more about the volunteer program and requirements contact Henri Eaton, Aging Programs Volunteer recruiter at 210-362-5261, heaton@aacog.com or click here.  To find out more about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program call (210) 362-5254.