I’ve been thinking…
The recent requirement for seniors to verify their identity in person to access Social Security benefits is a major hurdle—one that could leave many vulnerable individuals without the support they rely on. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a crisis for those who have no transportation, no family or trusted friends to assist them, and no ability to navigate online systems. While some seniors can travel and handle these requirements, many cannot. We need real solutions—now.
Practical Solutions for Real People
It’s time to think outside the box. Here are a few ideas that could make this process easier, faster, and more accessible:
1. Drive-Through Verification Centers – Abandoned fast-food buildings or large parking lots could be transformed into drive-through verification sites, much like the instant systems used during the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. Seniors could verify their identity without ever leaving their vehicle.
2. Dedicated Senior-Only Weeks at Social Security Offices – One week per month could be set aside exclusively for individuals 64 and older, allowing them to be served more efficiently without long wait times.
3. Mobile Verification Units – Similar to food banks or farmers’ markets, these pop-up verification sites could travel county to county, staffed by Social Security employees, making access possible for those in rural or underserved areas.
4. Certified Medicare Broker Verification Program – A select group of actively licensed Medicare Brokers could be trained and certified to complete identity verifications using a secure system. This process would require multiple attestations to confirm a person’s identity, ensuring integrity and accuracy. To participate, brokers would need to hold licenses with at least five different Medicare carriers, proving their commitment and investment in serving seniors. This certification would come with strict ethical guidelines—one violation, and they lose their credentials.
Why We Must Act
There’s no question that fraud exists, and people abusing the system only make it harder for those who genuinely need help. However, forcing all seniors to go through a process they may not physically be able to complete isn’t the answer. We can create solutions that maintain security while also protecting and respecting the people who built this country.
Investing in these solutions requires trust—trust that people will act with integrity and that those in power will prioritize seniors over bureaucracy. But make no mistake: doing nothing is not an option.
As a Medicare Broker, I see the challenges seniors face every day. I go through extensive training and licensing every year, dedicating 40–60 hours to ensuring I have the knowledge needed to help my clients navigate their healthcare options. This isn’t just my job—it’s my mission. Every senior deserves access to their benefits without unnecessary obstacles.
Now, we need policymakers and decision-makers to step up and make Social Security identity verification accessible, fair, and practical for all.
Sarita Shoemaker
March 24, 2025
Sarita Shoemaker 