Our mission is to provide resources that enhance the emotional, social, and physical well-being of seniors, adults with disabilities, and those who care for them.

Breaking News

Medicare Open Enrollment is Coming

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 

Need help?

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 (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!

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Helping

About SHIBA

We can help you learn the rules of Medicare for yourself or a loved one.

Shiba
ISR's SHIBA Advisors are here for you!

ISR's SHIBA Advisors are here for you!

What we do for you

Our Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) help people understand Medicare rights and options. Our well-trained volunteers counsel people about their Medicare choices and options.

Our SHIBA volunteers assist people through in-person and virtual one-to-one counseling via video chat or phone. They answer Medicare questions, and help evaluate and compare health insurance policies so people can make informed decisions to find the best possible coverage that meets their needs and fits their budgets. Volunteers can also help screen to see if people qualify for low-income programs to save money on Medicare coverage. 

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

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

ISR’s Medicare Information Sessions

  • These webinars happen throughout the year.  Some are in-person and some are offered on Zoom. Check our calendar page (here).
  • Register in advance for the session you want to attend.
Medicare logo

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. 

Medicare Card

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.

Informational Videos on Medicare

SHIBA helps with Medicare choices
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage plans
Deceptive marketing practices and Medicare health plans

Articles and Additional Information

Comparison Charts