Medicare Counseling (SHIBA)
Need help Navigating Medicare?
We provide community members with free, unbiased, and confidential Medicare education and health insurance options.
We can help you learn the rules of Medicare for yourself or a loved one. Trained volunteers provide objective information about Medicare and other medical options in individual consultations or classes.
Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7, 2026.
Call to schedule an appointment today to be prepared.
Individual consultations are available by appointment.
Call 360-321-1600 to set up your consultation appointment.
To schedule your own appointment click on the link below and then choose the location first, and then date and time. Appointments are also available via phone or Zoom.
Page Contents
How It Works
Our well-trained SHIBA volunteers counsel people about their Medicare choices and options through in-person appointments and virtual one-on-one counseling via video chat or phone.
You can find:
- Information on enrollment, costs and benefits, prescription coverage, low-income assistance
- Unbiased and confidential information. SHIBA volunteers do not choose plans for you, you choose!
During your appointment a SHIBA volunteer will:
- Answer Medicare questions
- Help evaluate and compare health insurance policies so you can make informed decisions to find the best possible coverage that meets your needs and budget.
- Help screen to see if you qualify for low-income programs to save money on Medicare coverage.
Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7, 2026.
Schedule an appointment today and know that you’re prepared.
Annual Notice of Change
If you have a Medicare Part D drug plan or an Advantage plan you should receive information from your provider about your plan for 2027. This is called the Annual Notice of Change or ANOC. It will be delivered by mail or email, if your plan is accessed online. When you receive your ANOC, make sure to save it, as it may contain the following information:
- The premium for 2027
- Benefit changes for 2027
- Changes your in co-payments
- If your plan has been cancelled for 2027
- Changes in your drug plan, including any drugs not covered in 2027
If you do not understand the changes or if you want help understanding these changes request an appointment today.
Medicare Classes
This is a free informational series organized by SHIBA. Registration is encouraged but not required. Classes are offered throughout the year either in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Open Enrollment is October 15-December 7, 2026.
Register in advance for the session you want to attend.
Questions? Contact us:
Phone: 360-321-1600
Welcome to Medicare
If you are going on Medicare and/or are wanting to know more about Medicare, attend a free “Getting Ready for Medicare” seminar offered by SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) volunteers.
October 16 – Oak Harbor
51 SE Jerome Street, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
October 23 – Langley
14594, Langley, WA 98260
October 24 – Coupeville
788 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239
More Information
Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is a partially state-funded program sponsored by Island Senior Resources, under the guidance of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
SHIBA is…
- Completely FREE and confidential: We keep your personal information safe.
- Objective and unbiased: We don’t sell or endorse anything.
SHIBA advisors can help with…
- Original Medicare
- Prescription drugs
- Low-income programs to help pay for Medicare
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans
- Medicare Advantage plans
- Medicare fraud and abuse
- Issues with Medicare fraud
- 2026 Medicare Part A and B Covered Services Chart
- 2026 Medigap Plans
- 2026 Medicare Part D Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plans
- 2026 Island County Medicare Advantage Plans 2026
- Get Help Paying for Medicare 2026 – See if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program: Learn More
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan Comparison 2025
- BOOKLET: Paying for prescription drugs
- BOOKLET: What you need to know about Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans
- BROCHURE: About Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
- CHECKLIST: Your SHIBA Medicare action plan
- FLYER: Get help paying for Medicare – Information for American Indians and Alaskan Natives
- FLYER: Medicare and COVID-19 vaccine scams
- FLYER: Stop Medicare Fraud
- FLYER: Watch out for scam calls
- Oct – Dec Medicare supplement Plans updated
- When working with the SHIBA team: the Medicare Part D drug worksheet.
- Your Medicare coverage choices
- 2023 Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) covered services
- 2023 Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans
- July – September 2023 Approved Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
- 2023 Medicare Advantage Plans, Island County
- Comparing Medicare supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans
- 10 Standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
Contact Us
Call us at 360-321-1600 to schedule a consultation, to register for an upcoming class, or for more information about the program.
Camano Island resident?
Call SHIBA at 425-290-1276 or visit edmondswaterfrontcenter.org.