Welcome to the 2021 SMP/SHIP National Conference!
The U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL) is pleased to announce the 2021 SMP/SHIP National Conference. Due to travel and congregation limitations related to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s conference will take place virtually via Zoom and will be split into two parts—Part One (April 27—29) and Part Two (August 10—12).
The purpose of the conference is to assist, support, and inform Senior Medicare Patrol Programs (SMPs) and State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) nationwide. This year we are also inviting Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act (MIPPA) grantees since the work of the three programs are closely related. The conference will offer attendees an opportunity to review core values and practices that define the programs, as well as hone new skills to strengthen program outreach efforts and the involvement of volunteers. The goal is to provide everyone with an opportunity to learn and explore new ways to enhance their programs and partnerships, and the agenda has been arranged to meet the needs of both programs.
Attendance
All SMP and SHIP grantees must attend these training meetings as a part of their grant agreement. MIPPA grantees are invited to participate but attendance is optional. Each SMP program, each SHIP program, and each MIPPA state may register and invite up to three representatives to the virtual conference. Co-located SMPs, SHIPs, and MIPPA grantees may register up to nine representatives. Each SMP and SHIP program director (or a designee) should plan to attend both parts of the conference and should be included as part of the maximum attendee number. Sessions will be recorded and made available to the larger SMP/SHIP Team Member audience, as appropriate
Presentations will be made via video and audio formats. Conference attendees must have access to the Zoom app using a computer (PC or Apple), tablet/iPad, or smart phone with Internet. The Zoom app may be downloaded via the Apple Store (Apple) or Play Store (Android). Although attendees will not be required to use a webcam for sessions, they will be encouraged to do so during provided networking/social opportunities, as equipment permits.
If you feel that your program requires more than three participants, please first register your three allocated attendees, and then send a request for additional participants to OHIC@acl.hhs.gov. Requests must include specific rationale as to why additional individuals should attend.
The Zoom link will be emailed to all registrants approximately 1 week prior to the conference. Written instructions, including navigational illustrations, can be found on the Virtual Meeting Instructions page. You can test your computer’s Zoom compatibility using this link: https://zoom.us/test. Attendees are encouraged to explore these options prior to the conference to ensure ease of access.
Timeline
-
Part Two registration opens—
May 3, 2021 -
Part Two registration closes—
July 19, 2021 -
Three-day Part Two virtual conference occurs—
August 10–12, 2021
- Part Two registration opens—
May 3, 2021 - Part Two registration closes—
July 19, 2021 - Three-day Part Two virtual conference occurs—
August 10–12, 2021
Please click here to see the draft agenda.
Questions
- Additional information will be provided on this website leading up to the virtual conference.
- For program-related questions, please contact ACL at OHIC@acl.hhs.gov.
- For logistical questions, please contact Joy Ridley, Synergy Enterprises, Inc., at (240) 485-3270 or JRidley@seiservices.com.
We look forward to “seeing” you in August.