Ohio Medicare Educational Program Director and Volunteer Earn National Honors

For Immediate Release
July 25, 2024

Contact: Todd Walker [email protected]

COLUMBUS - Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Director Chris Reeg and Dayton-area Volunteer Connie Blum received national honors from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at the U.S. Administration for Community Living Office of Healthcare Information and Counseling national conference on July 15 in New Orleans.

Reeg received the 2024 SHIP Leadership Award while Blum was named the 2024 Outstanding SHIP Volunteer. The awards were started last year in memory of Mike Klug, a career Medicare expert with a long history of working with and for SHIPs. SHIP stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program. Part of the Ohio Department of Insurance, OSHIIP is the state's official Medicare educational and counseling assistance program.

The leadership award recognizes outstanding SHIP leaders who inspire and empower others, demonstrate genuine care, and possess expert knowledge of Medicare. The volunteer award honors volunteers who display genuine care, expert knowledge of Medicare, clear communication, patient listening, and successful navigation of Medicare for beneficiaries. Nominations were open to candidates from the 54 U.S. states and territories, including Guam, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Washington D.C.

Reeg's 26-year career with OSHIIP has made a significant impact on the SHIP community and Ohioans. Since she has taken on a leadership role, the program has frequently been recognized nationally for excellence.

The federal government recently unveiled its latest national ratings for SHIP programs and OSHIIP achieved the highest national marks. OSHIIP achieved excellence in all performance measures, distinguishing itself as the sole SHIP program to excel across the board. The ratings focused on five critical performance measures: client contacts, outreach efforts, interactions with Medicare beneficiaries, engagement with hard-to-reach populations, and enrollment initiatives.

Blum, in her 90s, has dedicated 26 years to OSHIIP as a Montgomery County Coordinator and Volunteer. She excels in conveying Medicare knowledge in simple terms and eagerly mentors new volunteers. Blum's background as a former social worker enhances her ability to untangle complexities and solve problems for others, also earning her recognition in the past as an OSHIIP Coordinator of the Year and a feature story in the Dayton Daily News as a "community gem".

During the past year, OSHIIP has helped save or recover more than $42.5 million through its efforts assisting Ohio Medicare beneficiaries. OSHIIP provided personalized, one-on-one counseling sessions to 170,000 consumers and engaged 460,000 attendees through various public education events. OSHIIP also responded to 34,500 inquiries via its toll-free hotline.

OSHIIP's community involvement includes at this year's Ohio State Fair, which is underway through Aug. 4. Senior Day is July 30 and fair visitors can interact with OSHIIP staff about Medicare at the Ohio Department of Aging's "Well Beyond 60! EXPO" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Senior Day offers free admission to fairgoers 60+, and parking is free to everyone.

Ohioans with Medicare questions or concerns can reach OSHIIP staff at 800-686-1578 or [email protected]. Educational Medicare information is available at insurance.ohio.gov and medicare.gov.

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Media Note: A photo of OSHIIP Director Chris Reeg and OSHIIP Volunteer Connie Blum is available here.