This April at our first in-person California Senior Medicare Patrol conference in 5 years, we had the honor in giving our first-ever SMP Volunteer Recognition Award. We greatly appreciate and celebrate ALL our volunteers throughout the state of California, as they are the heart, passion and action at the local, peer-to-peer, and community levels that share and embody our SMP mission of empowering beneficiaries and their families in Medicare fraud prevention. And this year, modeled on the National SMP Conference practices, we asked our Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) partners to nominate SMP Liaison volunteers for this award. We are excited and honored to announce Sandy Howell of Stanislaus County as the recipient of this year’s SMP Volunteer Recognition Award!
Sandy Howell has been serving as a HICAP Counselor in Stanislaus County for 17 years and an SMP Liaison since 2010. Also currently servicing as the Community Educator, she emphasizes the importance of Medicare fraud prevention (sharing our motto – Prevent, Detect, Report) to seniors, disabled adults, families, caregivers, service providers and more throughout the community, and has helped many older adults avoid falling prey to scams. Her hard work and dedication have contributed to enabling seniors and disabled adults to live healthier and happier lives filled with more peace, dignity and wellbeing.
For close to 20 years, Sandy’s selfless service as a HICAP Counselor and SMP liaison has brought hope and happiness to seniors and disabled adults. She has made a significant difference in their lives by helping them navigate the healthcare system, highlighting the benefits of Medicare, educating them about fraud, and helping to report and resolve fraud.
Sandy’s compassionate and respectful approach has earned her the gratitude of countless seniors who have been moved to tears by her assistance and her contribution has made Stanislaus County a safer place for beneficiaries. Her satisfaction comes from the joy of helping others, and seeing the relief on people’s faces when their issue is resolved. Congratulations, Sandy! We thank you. You are an inspiration to us all!
