Serving Our Seniors Magazine Oct-Dec 2023

Securities and investment advisory services offered through Royal Alliance Associates, Inc. (RAA), member FINRA/SIPC. RAA is separately owned and other entities and/or marketing names, products or services referenced here are independent of RAA. PH ENIX Financial Group Gary C. Yontz Sr., LUTCF, CLTC Tyler Cammalleri Investment Advisor Representatives 2419 E. Perkins Ave., STE D Sandusky, Ohio 44870, (419) 626-1765 Patricia Stineman, Medicare Education Specialist at Serving Our Seniors was awarded the Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program (OSHIIP) Coordinator of the Year for 2023. David Painter, OSHIIP Community Liaison, Ohio Department of Insurance, traveled from Columbus to surprise Patricia with this well deserved honor. In 2012, Patricia responded to an article in Serving Our Seniors Magazine and volunteered at Serving Our Seniors and started the OSHIIP Medicare Counseling Program, with volunteer Bill Biehl. In 2017 she was hired by Serving Our Seniors to lead a team of co-workers and volunteers, who are knowledgeable about Medicare. David explained why OSHIIP finds Patricia to be extraordinary in her role, “OSHIIP keeps stats on every county in Ohio. Erie County numbers are consistently above expectations and the highest in your area. There are some areas that a county like Erie simply cannot compete with, for example Cuyahoga or Franklin Counties. Honestly though, the OSHIIP team at Serving Our Seniors should be singled out more for their quality than quantity. They routinely spend an hour + with clients and follow up (sometimes multiple times) to ensure they are getting the help they need and UNDERSTAND the process. Patricia and her team have become the face of OSHIIP in Erie County and that is best possible outcome.” It has been Dave’s experience that other OSHIIP coordinators come and go. “Patricia has been a constant presence for the community she serves. She oversees training, event planning and prepares the reports submitted to OSHIIP. Patricia also maintains frequent contact with the OSHIIP staff in Columbus to ensure that the SOS team has the most current, up to date information and resources.” All of us at Serving Our Seniors agree, Patricia is OUTSTANDING! Congratulations, Patricia, for being named 2023 OSHIIP Coordinator of the Year! Say hello to Nikki Spriggs. If she looks familiar to you, it may be because she has been a volunteer driver for Serving Our Seniors Out of Town Transportation Program. This is the all-volunteer service, which takes Erie County residents, ages 60+, to out of town health care appointments. Nikki continues to give of herself and volunteer, but now she is doing more to help other Erie County retirees to age well. As of June 2023, she was hired by Serving Our Seniors and is a Medicare Insurance Advocate – Trainee. Patricia Stineman, Medicare Education Specialist, is her trainer. Nikki will be working with Patricia and Jo Seiler, Medicare Counselor, during Medicare Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2023). Patricia Stineman Awarded OSHIIP COORDINATOR OF THE YEAR Meet Nikki Spriggs: Medicare Insurance Advocate – Trainee 6