Midland Volunteer Makes Medicare Simple for Seniors

When Medicare enrollment season arrives each fall, Brenda Gordert becomes a lifeline for hundreds of seniors in Midland County, Michigan.

As Senior Services' April Volunteer of the Month, Gordert makes hundreds of phone calls to schedule and reschedule appointments during the annual enrollment period. But her work goes far beyond simple scheduling.

She helps seniors set up and troubleshoot their Medicare.gov accounts, a task that can feel overwhelming for many older adults. She stays organized by logging appointment details and account information, keeping the entire system running smoothly.

"She adapts to changes and continually finds more efficient ways to manage them," said Kerry Smith, care coordination administrative assistant at Senior Services. "She keeps smiling even when things get hectic."

For many seniors, navigating Medicare alone feels impossible. The deadlines, options, and online portals create confusion at a time when getting the right coverage matters most. Gordert brings calm and clarity to each interaction.

Smith puts it simply: "We could not manage the annual enrollment period without her."

Sunny's Take

What makes Gordert's work so special is that she sees the person behind every phone call. A senior struggling with technology isn't just another appointment to schedule. They're someone who needs patience, understanding, and a calm voice on the other end of the line.

Gordert volunteers despite having a full life. She and her husband Bill, married since 1983, have two sons, a daughter-in-law, and three granddaughters. She also volunteers at Assumption Catholic Church and the Food Caring Network, bowls in two leagues, and camps regularly in Grayling.

Her ability to stay professional and detail-oriented while juggling so many commitments shows what real service looks like. She doesn't just give her time. She gives her best.

Senior Services offers free help with Medicare, Part D prescription plans, and Social Security Extra Help through volunteers like Gordert. The organization currently needs transportation drivers, friendly visitors, and Meals on Wheels drivers to support older adults in Midland County.

One volunteer's patience during a stressful season can change how hundreds of seniors experience their healthcare for an entire year.