We invite you to see our classes & events!
Aging and Medicare
MEDICARE SERVICES OFFERED:
SHICK
SHICK is the Senior Health Insurance Counseling program. This is a federal grant funded program under the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). The mission of SHICK is to provide education and information to Medicare beneficiaries, as well as one-on-one counseling.
Our trained SHICK volunteers are here to provide individual assistance in explaining enrollment, or learning about Medicare enrollment plans, Supplemental Insurance policies and Medicaid benefits so individuals can make informed choices.
Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas (SHICK) | Department for Aging and Disability Services
If you would like to make an appointment to learn more about our SHICK services, please scroll to the bottom of this page for contact information, appointment scheduling options, office hours, and our email.
SMP
Senior Medicare Patrol, also known as SMP, is a grant funded project under the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL). The SMP mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud errors and abuse through outreach, counseling, and education. We provide SMP-certified counselors that can help guide the beneficiary and your loved ones through any suspected fraud, error, or abuse concerns.
If you suspect you or your loved one has experienced Medicare fraud, error, or abuse, please scroll to the bottom of this page for contact information, appointment scheduling options, office hours, and our email.
MIPPA
The Medicare Improvement for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) program is a federal grant program that the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) provides to support targeted outreach and education to eligible Medicare beneficiaries, especially those who are low-income with limited resources and/or residents of rural areas. MIPPA helps Medicare beneficiaries with limited income and assets learn about programs that may save them money on their Medicare costs.
These programs are:
Medicare Part D Low-Income Subsidy (LIS)/Extra Help - Administered by the Social Security Administration, this program helps to lower Medicare Part D costs – including out-of-pocket costs for premiums, deductibles, and prescription drugs – for beneficiaries who meet certain income and resource eligibility requirements.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) – Administered by state Medicaid agencies, MSPs can help pay some Medicare costs for health care, including Medicare Part B premiums, for eligible beneficiaries. These programs have four levels of benefits, each with their own eligibility requirements:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Specified Low-Income Medicare (SLMB)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWO)
Medicare Preventative Services – MIPPA grantees also educate the community about Medicare Preventative Services, which cover many preventive health services such as:
- Welcome to Medicare preventive visits
- Yearly wellness visits
- Vaccinations for the flu and COVID-19
- Screenings for cancer and heart disease, and more!
Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers (MIPPA) | ACL Administration for Community Living
These services are available to all Medicare beneficiaries, regardless of their income and assets. Our trained counselors can help you today. If you would like to make an appointment to learn about any of the above MIPPA programs or how to apply, please scroll to the bottom of this page for contact information, appointment scheduling options, office hours, and our email. Thank you.
Classes & Presentations
Classes and presentations on aging are meant to enrich the lives of older Kansans, adults with disabilities, and their families by addressing health and wellness needs through research-based education. Engaged, secure, and healthy individuals benefit families and communities. Presentations and classes are available to groups and organizations. Call the extension office for availability.
The following topics are available for presentations and/or classes:
- Medicare Options: Basics of Medicare
See our classes and events here!
Volunteer With SHICK
Our volunteer counselors do not work for any insurance company or financial institution. Our goal is to educate and assist the public in making informed decisions about their health care options. SHICK has many volunteer opportunities. Perhaps one is right for you! Volunteer application
- Medicare Part C/D Counselor: Provides information and counseling about Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) and prescription drug plans (Part D).
- Comprehensive Medicare Counselor: Provides information and counseling about Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, as well as other Medicare options.
- Office Assistant: Provides administrative support, including data entry and other clerical duties.
Call our office at (316) 660-0126 or email hidano@ksu.edu to learn more about these volunteer opportunities.
Important Links
English 2026 Medicare Overview
Spanish 2026 Medicare Overview
Contact Information
Have Questions? Contact:
K-State Extension Sedgwick County, 7001 W. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67205
Tat Hidano Adult Development and Aging Agent (316) 660-0117 hidano@ksu.edu
Gail Coggins SHICK Office Professional (A.M.) (316) 660-0126 gailcoggins@ksu.edu
Julie Carver SHICK Office Professional (P.M.) (316) 660-0126 jccarver@ksu.edu
Jennifer Exline FCS Office Professional (A.M.) (316) 660-0143 exline@ksu.edu