Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)
SHIBA is a partially state-funded program sponsored by Island Senior Resources, under the guidance of the Washington State Office of the Insurance commissioner
Do you need help with Medicare?
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 (see Webinar discussion below).
- 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!
Eligibility
- Anyone eligible for or currently enrolled in Medicare
- Anyone who needs to know more about Medicare and related programs
Cost
- Free; however, donations are always appreciated as state funding does not cover the full cost of the program.
Contact Us
- Contact us to schedule a phone consultation or send an online request.
Additional Information
ISR Webinars offered during the year
Getting Ready for 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.
- These events occur throughout the year. Check our calendar page (here)
- Register in advance for the online session you want to attend.
Using Medicare’s Planfinder
This session focuses on how to use Medicare’s Planfinder so you can find the best drug plan and/or Medicare Advantage plan that meets your needs. We will cover how to find much of the ‘hidden’ information as well as information about the supplement plans. We will also share how to find the information you are looking for.
- These events occur throughout the year. Check our calendar page (here)
- Register in advance for the session you want to attend.
Videos to watch prior to attending an online Medicare webinar or at any other time.
- SHIBA helps with Medicare choices: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1fRGZMyfjA&list=PLKwJmSVgZfEvj6OU_iNvp0-DZnFdft9iI&index=1
- Original Medicare vs Medicare Advantage plans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TSWrZ1kKRXI&list=PLKwJmSVgZfEvj6OU_iNvp0-DZnFdft9iI&index=3
- Deceptive marketing practices and Medicare health plans: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xapRjpqX31M&list=PLKwJmSVgZfEvj6OU_iNvp0-DZnFdft9iI&index=3&t=1s
Get help paying for Medicare
See if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program: Learn More.