SHIBA is a partially state-funded program sponsored by Island Senior Resources, under the guidance of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
We can help you learn the rules of Medicare for yourself or a loved one.
Medicare Counseling
SHIBA Advisors are here for you! Our Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) help people understand Medicare rights and options.
Appointments are available
Call 360-321-1600 for individual SHIBA consultation appointments or for information on classes.
2026 Medicare Classes
Classes are offered throughout the year either in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Register in advance for the session you want to attend
April 29 (2 pm): Welcome to Medicare
The Center in Oak Harbor
51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
May 19 (1 pm): Welcome to Medicare
Freeland Library
5495 S Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
June 5 (1 pm): Reducing Medicare Costs
The Center in Oak Harbor
51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
June 10 (6 pm): Welcome to Medicare
Oak Harbor Library
1000 SE Regatta Dr, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
July 14 (10 am): Welcome to Medicare
Freeland Library
5495 S Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
August 25 (10 am): Welcome to Medicare
The Center in Oak Harbor
51 SE Jerome St, Oak Harbor, WA 98277
September 22 (1 pm): Welcome to Medicare
Freeland Library
5495 S Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
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.
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!
Individual consultations are available by appointment. Call 360-321-1600 to set up your consultation appointment.
Click here to register for a Medicare Class.
Important information for 2026 is listed below under “Additional Information.”
What we do for you
Our well-trained volunteers counsel people about their Medicare choices and options through in-person appointments and virtual one-on-one counseling via video chat or phone.
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.
2026 Medicare Classes
February 21 (2 pm): Medicare Advantage Reboot
Coupeville Library
788 NW Alexander St, Coupeville, WA 98239
March 17 (1 pm): Welcome to Medicare
Freeland Library
5495 S Harbor Ave, Freeland, WA 98249
Contact
- Whidbey Island residents call us at 360-321-1600 to schedule a consultation or to register for a class (see class schedule above).
- Camano residents call SHIBA at 425-290-1276
https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org/ewc-programs/shiba/
ISR’s Medicare Information Sessions from SHIBA
- Classes are offered throughout the year both in-person and virtually through Zoom. Check our calendar page (here).
- Register in advance for the session you want to attend
- Whidbey Island residents can call 360-321-1600 to schedule a consultation or to register for a class
- Camano residents can call SHIBA at 425-290-1276 or find more information at:
https://www.edmondswaterfrontcenter.org/ewc-programs/shiba/
Informational Videos on Medicare
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
Additional Information
- Medigap rates Q2 2025
- Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan Comparison 2025
- Oct – Dec Medicare supplement Plans updated
- When working with the SHIBA team: the Medicare Part D drug worksheet.
- Get Help Paying for Medicare 2025 – See if you qualify for a Medicare Savings Program: Learn More.
- BROCHURE: Get help paying for Medicare – See if you qualify for a Medicare savings program and/or extra help
- 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
Archive
- 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