It's not easy to become fluent in a new language at age 65, but that's what it can be like when a retiree tackles Medicare paperwork for the first time. The world of acronyms, health care jargon and "insurance speak" can be confusing, frustrating and even a little frightening.

That's why the Medicare Rights Center is seeking volunteers willing to be trained as telephone counselors for its LINCS program — Linking Individuals in Need with Care and Services.

LINCS volunteers help older and disabled New Yorkers understand and fill out application forms and other paperwork for the Medicare prescription drug services.

NYSUT contracts with the Medicare Rights Center, a national non-profit consumer service group, to provide members with advice about Medicare issues.

The center will provide volunteers with Web-based training so they can work one-on-one with clients. Retirees are welcome as volunteers and are encouraged to apply.

"The LINCS program merges the age-old concept of volunteerism with Web-based technologies," said Elana Berman, director of client programs.

NYSUT Vice President Kathleen Donahue, whose office oversees retiree and health care issues for the union, said retirees can find it especially rewarding to be volunteers for this program.

"They bring so many skills from their careers and their life experience," she said. "They can often relate to the difficulties when confronting Medicare paperwork."

LINCS volunteer applicants can get started by completing an online application at www.medicarerights.org/lincs.html. Fluency in languages other than English is helpful but not required.

Applicants who qualify will receive Web-based training to work one-on-one with clients.

For details, contact the Medicare Rights Center at (800) 333-4114, or go to http://www.medicarerights.org/, click on the link "About MRC," then "Job/volunteer positions."