Free Support to Help You Understand Your Medicare Options

As we age, it may seem as though there is an ever-growing list of things to worry about. But thanks to a free, unbiased and confidential program, signing up for Medicare is not one of those worries!

The Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA) program offers free consumer support to help you understand all your Medicare options. SHIBA’s a service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Available in English, Spanish, and other languages, you can now get Medicare help from SHIBA in Yakima, Benton, Franklin, Columbia, and Walla Walla counties through Catholic Charities.

If you need help from a SHIBA volunteer advisor, call the hotline at 1-800-562-6900. They will connect you with the office in your county, where you can make an appointment. A trained volunteer will return your call and work with you to arrange an online Zoom call or an in-person meeting.

Volunteer advisors also offer various SHIBA presentations on a variety of Medicare topics. To see what is offered in your area, check out our online SHIBA Medicare events calendar for in-person and Zoom meetings: https://www.insurance.wa.gov/i...

SHIBA is also looking for people who want to volunteer as advisors and other positions, including presenters and data entry. And you don’t need to know Medicare – we will train you! SHIBA volunteering is a great way to give back to your community!

If you’re interested in becoming a SHIBA volunteer, or you need SHIBA services, please call Kelsey Brontide at Catholic Charities: 509-853-1300, or you can call the hotline directly at 1-800-562-6900.