2020 Westchester Seniors Out Speaking (WSOS) - Central Westchester

The Westchester Library System is seeking volunteers to serve as presenters and counselors for its Westchester Seniors Out Speaking (WSOS) program. WSOS volunteers deliver free services to help adults aged 60 and up to achieve a better understanding of Medicare health plans, prescription drug coverage, and other benefits available to seniors—saving them time and money. This program serves over 12,000 senior citizens annually; volunteers of all ages and backgrounds are welcome.

WSOS volunteers meet monthly to participate in training from subject specialists, which includes the Medicare Rights Center. Volunteers must be comfortable using computers, have excellent interpersonal skills, and able to provide six to 12 hours per month of consistent service.

WSOS volunteers engage in one or more of the following programs:

• Medicare Minute: volunteers offer brief, engaging, actionable information on specific aspects of Medicare. Volunteers present this information on a monthly basis to older adults at various sites throughout Westchester County. Following the presentation, volunteers remain to privately answer personal questions and concerns. A volunteer Medicare Minute Presenter is assigned a community center and is responsible for each month’s Medicare Minute. A script, teaching materials, and handouts are provided by WSOS through an agreement with the Medicare Rights Center. Additionally, brief information on other services of interest to seniors is offered.

• Senior Benefit Information Centers (SBIC): volunteers have the opportunity to become a Senior Benefits Counselor at one of the many centers operating in public libraries. As an SBIC counselor, volunteers provide seniors with information about their healthcare insurance choices and various federal and state financial assistance programs, as well as provide help with related Medicare issues. SBICs are a walk-in service that also is supported by an email and telephone hotline. The walk-in sites include New Rochelle, Peekskill, Port Chester, Shrub Oak, Tarrytown, and Yonkers.

Experienced volunteers are also invited to support the delivery of presentations and workshops on related healthcare issues such as Medicare/Medicaid dual eligibility and healthcare proxies. These presentations are offered at any venue that wants to present this important information to seniors in their community.

​#seniorsoutspeaking