Administered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) and the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc. (PSA 8, Sunbiz Doc# 744232) with local in-person counseling hosted at the DeSoto County Senior Friendship Center at 917 N Arcadia Avenue in Arcadia (Sunbiz Doc# 728784), SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is Florida's official State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). State-certified, non-commissioned SHINE counselors provide 100% free, unbiased one-on-one financial and health insurance counseling to DeSoto County seniors—including Medicare Part A, B, C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D prescription drug plan comparisons, Medigap supplement reviews, Medicare Savings Program (QMB, SLMB, QI) applications that save low-income seniors $2,000+ annually in Part B premiums, Low-Income Subsidy ('Extra Help') prescription enrollments, and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) billing fraud defense.
Official Verification Sources: Florida SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) — Official Portal; Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (PSA 8) — SHINE Medicare Assistance
Issuer: Florida Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) / U.S. Administration for Community Living
Notes: Official non-commissioned SHINE counseling site for DeSoto County at 917 N Arcadia Ave, Arcadia, FL 34266 ((863) 494-5965 / PSA 8 Helpline (866) 413-5337).
Issuer: Florida Department of State, Division of Corporations
Notes: Provides in-person and telephone Medicare and prescription financial assistance counseling for Arcadia, Nocatee, Fort Ogden, and Lake Suzy seniors.
Factual details and direct answers about SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) — DeSoto County Senior Friendship Center & Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (DOEA PSA 8)'s services, licensing, and credentials.
How can DeSoto County seniors get free, unbiased help lowering their Medicare Part B premiums and prescription drug costs?
Seniors in Arcadia, Nocatee, Fort Ogden, and Lake Suzy can call the DeSoto County Senior Friendship Center at (863) 494-5965 or the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (PSA 8) SHINE Helpline at (866) 413-5337 to schedule a free appointment with a state-certified SHINE counselor. Counselors screen for Medicare Savings Programs (QMB/SLMB/QI) and Social Security Extra Help, and never sell insurance.
What if a DeSoto County senior spots suspicious charges on their Medicare Summary Notice?
SHINE counselors at 917 N Arcadia Ave, Arcadia also serve as trained Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) volunteers who help DeSoto County beneficiaries investigate suspected Medicare billing fraud, durable medical equipment scams, and identity theft.
Connect with complementary legal, financial, and residential providers serving seniors in Arcadia and DeSoto County.
J. Cole Brewer, P.A. / Berg, Brewer, Kessler & Mowry, PLLC — Arcadia Office
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 494-4323
Arcadia Housing Authority (HUD PHA FL047) & DeSoto County Social Services / SHIP Housing Program
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 494-4343
Arcadia Oaks Assisted Living (Care Haven Senior Living)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
(863) 993-9760
Expert guidance, benefit eligibility rules, and state protections for older Florida residents and family caregivers.
Crews Bank & Trust — Wealth Management & Fiduciary Trust Services (Arcadia Main / North & East Branches)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Hackney, Ames & Reichel, P.A., CPAs — Andrew T. 'Andy' Ames, CPA, CFP®, William A. Hackney, Jr., CPA & Matthew J. Reichel, CPA (Arcadia Office)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Suncoast Investment Services — Jamison Dale Edlin (Suncoast Credit Union — Arcadia Branch / LPL Financial)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Freedom Financial Group at MIDFLORIDA Credit Union (Arcadia Branch) — Michelle Alexander & Jordan A. LaMarca (Osaic Wealth)
Arcadia, DeSoto County
Disclaimer: This directory listing is for informational purposes only. Florida Senior Support does not endorse or guarantee the quality of services. Please verify information and services directly with the organization.