MEDICARE OPEN ENROLLMENT
OCTOBER 15 - DECEMBER 7
volunteer
You've gained a lifetime of experience. Now is the time to put your skills and talents to good use by volunteering in your community! With nearly 500,000 members nationwide, RSVP is America's largest network for active adults 55 years of age and over. Join WestArk RSVP and you join over 500 local members who are tackling tough issues and helping to make positive differences in our communities.
medicare assistance
WestArk RSVP provides Medicare assistance and advocacy throughout the year. Volunteers serve by assisting Medicare beneficiaries (both aged and disabled) in: Applying for federal Low-Income subsidy and the Arkansas Medicare Savings Programs; Problem solving snafus with Centers for Medicare/Medicaid Services (CMS) and private insurers; Choosing Medicare Part D prescription drug plans or Medicare Part C advantage plans; Counseling new Medicare beneficiaries about coverage and gaps and; Educating Medicare beneficiaries about the availability of free preventive health care services.
WestArk RSVP has a core group of volunteers who have been involved with Medicare advocacy for many years. Each year additional Medicare volunteers are recruited enabling WestArk RSVP to assist more Medicare beneficiaries. In partnership with the Arkansas Insurance Department, Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP), RSVP members (serving as SHIIP Advocates) receive intensive annual training and certification.
income tax preparation
Partnering with the Internal Revenue Service, WestArk RSVP operates TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) and VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs in Fort Smith and Rogers. Volunteers serve by preparing and electronically filing federal and state returns for the elderly, disabled, unemployed, active duty military and families. TCE returns are offered to those that are 60+ years of age with no income limit. VITA returns are offered to those with incomes under $60,000.
WestArk Retired & Senior Volunteer Program provides local seniors with opportunities to share their experience, abilities, and skills through volunteer community service in
Benton, Boone, Carroll, Crawford, Madison, Marion, Sebastian, and Washington Counties in northwest Arkansas.
Fort Smith 479-783-4155 Rogers 479-636-0578