SOUTHERN ILLINOIS VOLUNTEERS HONORED

Springfield, IL - The Illinois Department of Insurance recently presented its Southern Illinois regional awards for volunteer service to its Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP).

Joel Melton of Belleville was honored as the SHIP Volunteer of the Year. He has served as a program counselor since 1995 and volunteers through the Belleville Area College Programs and Services for Older Persons.

The Retired Senior Volunteer Program of Western Egyptian Economic Opportunity Council of Steeleville was honored as the SHIP Office of the Year. The Council has provided counseling services for SHIP since 1989, serving clients in Monroe, Perry and Randolph counties.

SHIP is a statewide program that provides free insurance counseling both by Department of Insurance staff and trained volunteers on a variety of senior insurance issues including Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance and long term care insurance.