Do you need help with Medicare costs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state programs that assist you with paying your Medicare costs. To qualify for an MSP, you must meet your state’s income and asset limits. Contact SHINE at 866-413-5337 to learn about eligibility requirements, in Florida, for the Medicare Savings Program or other health cost assistance options in your area.
With Community Leaders and Partners in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) recently honored community partners and local leaders from across the seven counties they serve as part of its 45-year anniversary celebration. The private event was held at their offices in Fort Myers in gratitude of those who have supported their efforts serving older adults and adults with disabilities in the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, followed by a brief presentation by Wendy Boaz, chairman of the board and Maricela Morado, president and CEO.
AAASWFL Team
From left to right: Gloria Lappost, Health & Wellness Coordinator, AAASWFL; Albert Griffith, Representative from Senator Jonathan Martin’s office; Maricela Morado, President and CEO, AAASWFL
Left to right: Wendy Boaz-Hayes, Board Chair, AAASWFL; Tim Stanley, Commissioner, Glades County District 5; Maricela Morado, President and CEO, AAASWFL
Left to right: Mary Wernentin, Director of Supportive Aging, Senior Friendship Centers; Maricela Morado, President and CEO, AAASWFL; Tami Bailey, Manager of Grants Senior and Social Services, Collier County Government
Left to right: Christine LoConte, Volunteer Center Manager, United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties; Tish Sargent, Donor Engagement Specialist, United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties; Marcia Turner, Vice President – Community Engagement and Major Gifts, United Way of Lee, Hendry and Glades Counties
Kathleen Rice; Mary Bartoshuk, Advisory Council Chair, AAASWFL
Christopher Parfitt, Senior Director, Hodges University; Maricela Morado, President and CEO, AAASWFL; Teresa Araque, Vice President, Marketing and External Communications, Hodges University
Valerine Oliver, Director of Client Services, AAASWFL; Maricela Morado, President and CEO, AAASWFL; Dan Katz, Board member, AAASWFL; Wendy Boaz-Hayes, Board Chair, AAASWFL
Area Agency on Aging for SWFL offers Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Elders (ANE) Training.
This is a comprehensive training for professionals who work with older adults. The ANE training raises awareness about the types of abuse, risk factors, and the reporting process. If you would like to schedule an ANE Training for your professionals, call Gloria Lappost, Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator at: 239-652-6914.
(Top photo: Left to Right – Camilita Aldridge, Lynn Medini, Hallie Devlin, Jennifer Vander May, and Millie Nunez / Bottom photo: Left to Right – Lynn Medini, Hallie Devlin, Maricela Morado, Quinton Ford)
SHINE counselor, Lynn Medini, celebrated 9 years of service; she’ll be retiring from her volunteer role in May.
When approaching turning 65, Lynn attended a SHINE-hosted Medicare presentation and soon followed up on how to become a SHINE-trained counselor. Her first experience as a counselor was during Medicare’s fall open enrollment period; Lynn shared that people were showing up, one after the next, to meet with SHINE counselors. With all of the excitement, she was so busy that she never had the chance to think about eating the lunch she had packed. “Even better was the feeling that I got when, after explaining how plans work and what clients should be aware of in the future, you watch the lightbulb go off on clients’ faces. I was really hooked by that feeling!”
Hallie Devlin, Local Coordinator for Collier and S. Lee counties, shared her thoughts about Lynn.
“Lynn has been the essence of what a SHINE counselor should be. She has been a caring, knowledgeable and reliable volunteer as well as an incredibly hard worker during annual open enrollment for the past nine years. Her expertise, comradeship and good humor will be missed by all of us working in Collier and south Lee, most especially by Nancy Malecek who has been her counseling partner covering Bonita/Estero for several years. We wish Lynn well in all aspects of her life but will miss her at SHINE.”
On April 18, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida honored those committed to their volunteer role with Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE); a free, unbiased Medicare education and counseling program. The importance of their role in helping those eligible for and currently enrolled in Medicare, as well as caregivers, is evident as trained volunteers help with navigating the intricacies of Medicare.
Thank you to all our dedicated SHINE volunteers who are committed to our mission, you are focused and hardworking. You persevere in challenging circumstances and continue to strive for excellence in all you do, making a difference and delivering service with a smile.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
SEP 15: Community Health & Resource Fair Sponsorship Opportunities!
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
45 Year Celebration Community Health & Resource Fair
Come out and join us for this free event!
Click on the flyer below to register.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Medicare and Transportation Services
Ambulances are vehicles that transport patients to and from medical facilities, like hospitals. Ambulances are medically equipped and staffed by professionals like EMTs or paramedics. Click this link to better understand how Medicare covers transportation in ambulances.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Lose your Medicaid coverage recently?
Do you need help with Medicare costs? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are state programs that assist you with paying your Medicare costs. To qualify for an MSP, you must meet your state’s income and asset limits. Contact SHINE at 866-413-5337 to learn about eligibility requirements, in Florida, for the Medicare Savings Program or other health cost assistance options in your area.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
How to Lower Your Part D Drug Costs
Paying for prescription drugs can cause financial stress and worry. Learn about programs and strategies available for lowering your prescription drug costs in this handout from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Agency on Aging Celebrates Serving SWFL for 45 Years
With Community Leaders and Partners in Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee and Sarasota Counties
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL) recently honored community partners and local leaders from across the seven counties they serve as part of its 45-year anniversary celebration. The private event was held at their offices in Fort Myers in gratitude of those who have supported their efforts serving older adults and adults with disabilities in the counties of Charlotte, Collier, DeSoto, Glades, Hendry, Lee, and Sarasota counties. Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and refreshments, followed by a brief presentation by Wendy Boaz, chairman of the board and Maricela Morado, president and CEO.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Did You Know…AAASWFL Offers ANE Training?
Area Agency on Aging for SWFL offers Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of Elders (ANE) Training.
This is a comprehensive training for professionals who work with older adults. The ANE training raises awareness about the types of abuse, risk factors, and the reporting process. If you would like to schedule an ANE Training for your professionals, call Gloria Lappost, Elder Abuse Prevention Coordinator at: 239-652-6914.
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Volunteer Spotlight: Celebrating 9 Years with SHINE
SHINE counselor, Lynn Medini, celebrated 9 years of service; she’ll be retiring from her volunteer role in May.
When approaching turning 65, Lynn attended a SHINE-hosted Medicare presentation and soon followed up on how to become a SHINE-trained counselor. Her first experience as a counselor was during Medicare’s fall open enrollment period; Lynn shared that people were showing up, one after the next, to meet with SHINE counselors. With all of the excitement, she was so busy that she never had the chance to think about eating the lunch she had packed. “Even better was the feeling that I got when, after explaining how plans work and what clients should be aware of in the future, you watch the lightbulb go off on clients’ faces. I was really hooked by that feeling!”
Hallie Devlin, Local Coordinator for Collier and S. Lee counties, shared her thoughts about Lynn.
“Lynn has been the essence of what a SHINE counselor should be. She has been a caring, knowledgeable and reliable volunteer as well as an incredibly hard worker during annual open enrollment for the past nine years. Her expertise, comradeship and good humor will be missed by all of us working in Collier and south Lee, most especially by Nancy Malecek who has been her counseling partner covering Bonita/Estero for several years. We wish Lynn well in all aspects of her life but will miss her at SHINE.”
Last Updated: August 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Making a Difference and Delivering Service with a Smile!
On April 18, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida honored those committed to their volunteer role with Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE); a free, unbiased Medicare education and counseling program. The importance of their role in helping those eligible for and currently enrolled in Medicare, as well as caregivers, is evident as trained volunteers help with navigating the intricacies of Medicare.
Thank you to all our dedicated SHINE volunteers who are committed to our mission, you are focused and hardworking. You persevere in challenging circumstances and continue to strive for excellence in all you do, making a difference and delivering service with a smile.
We appreciate you!
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