The SMP program offers volunteers an opportunity to make an important difference in their communities throughout Wisconsin.
Thank you for your interest in the Senior Medicare Patrol volunteer program. As a volunteer, you will play a vital role in the overall success of the Wisconsin SMP. The information that you will impart as a volunteer will help seniors in your community to become better health care consumers. Together we can inform and empower Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers on how to protect, detect, and report Medicare fraud, abuses and errors. By volunteering, you will have an opportunity to use your talents, skills, and networking to provide outreach and education on Medicare fraud in your community. Volunteer involvement ranges from distributing materials, staffing a booth at conferences and outreach events, to giving group presentations. A description of these three activities is below.
- Information distributor: As a distributor, you help to transport and distribute SMP information materials to various sites, kiosks, or senior centers throughout your community where information resources are made available to residences. In this role, you do not need to engage in discussions with others about personal information or situations. However, you simply note all questions or comments and give them to the Volunteer Coordinator for follow-up.
- Exhibitor: As an exhibitor, you help to staff an informational table or booth at community events such as senior resources fairs, wellness expos, health workshops, conferences, civic or faith-based organizations, food pantries, libraries, or non-profit agencies. In this role, you provide information about the program to the attendees and answer basic questions related to how to prevent, detect and report Medicare fraud, abuse and errors.
- Presenter: As a presenter, you give presentations about the fundamentals of SMP to small and large groups. The role includes the opportunity for you to interact with the audience. If time allows, additional interaction will occur through Q & A and discussion at the end of the presentation. The presentations vary in length from 15 to 60 minutes. Depending on the time allotment and the audience, the presentations may involve a PowerPoint presentation, or an engagement activity called The FUNdamentals of Patrolling Health Care.
All positions require some training and an orientation. Training is provided both in-person and online. We want to provide you with the information and background you’ll need to be knowledgeable and capable of responding to questions from members of the community. The last two roles also require a background check.
Benefits of servings as an SMP Volunteer
The SMP program offers volunteers an opportunity to make an important difference in their communities. Volunteers take pride in working to ensure that the Medicare program will be protected for future generations. Volunteers have access to professional development opportunities, a strong network of aging and disability professionals, and chances to enhance interpersonal skills.
Time Commitment
SMP Volunteers have flexibility in the time devoted to the program. While there is no obligation for a specific monthly time commitment, it is asked that volunteers commit to at least a year due to the amount of training required.
Reporting
Volunteers report directly to the SMP Volunteer Coordinator and submit monthly time sheets and mileage reports.
Qualifications
- Commitment to the SMP mission and values
- Willingness and ability to learn about Medicare and SMP related issues
- Impartiality when working with people of diverse backgrounds
- Willingness and means to travel to SMP events and presentations
Responsibilities and Requirements
- Present a professional manner when representing SMP
- Complete all required orientation and trainings
- Broaden the SMP message through the agreed upon role
- Possess a valid driver’s license and up-to-date auto insurance
- Consent to a criminal and personal background check
- Submit monthly time sheets and mileage reports
Volunteers are an asset to our program and play a major role of the organization’s success. Please join our growing team of SMP volunteers from across the state!
