Now a helpline volunteer and a donor, Beth Abbott started her engagement with the Medicare Rights Center through a summer internship while pursuing a graduate degree in health advocacy from Sarah Lawrence College. After she finished her degree, she continued with Medicare Rights as a helpline counselor. While dedicating volunteer hours to answering Medicare questions, Beth learned about a matching donation program through Bank of America, her husband Ray Abbott’s employer.

When the Abbotts donate to Medicare Rights personally, they can apply for Bank of America to match the funds up to a certain amount. “I see from the inside what a great organization it is, and how great the volunteers are and the staff. I’m just really impressed by the mission and how everybody here makes it happen. So it’s great to give when you can be so sure of what a great cause it is,” she said.

Beth encourages others to inquire with their own employers about matching gift programs, since those funds can go unclaimed if employees aren’t aware they can apply. She has also used AmazonSmile (smile.amazon.com) to give to Medicare Rights, which allows people to support charitable organizations with their Amazon purchases. Beth hopes more people will use the website as an easy way to donate.

When asked what inspires her to stay involved with Medicare Rights, Beth said, “I still learn new things, and I just see the progress continuing to happen, so that’s what keeps me going.”

Double your donation to Medicare Rights! Find out if your employer offers a matching gift program.