Need help with Medicare? Events being held around the state through summer

Consumers get help at a SHIBA event in Washington state

The Office of the Insurance Commissioner has a program that helps Washingtonians sign up for Medicare and other health care programs. It's called Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) and it offers free, unbiased and confidential assistance with Medicare and other health care choices.

SHIBA can help you:

• Understand your health care coverage options and rights.
• Determine your general eligibility for health care coverage programs.
• Evaluate and compare health insurance plans.

SHIBA holds events around the state to help people who are just getting signed up for Medicare--called birthday events--and information sessions for people who are new to Medicare or simply have questions about it.

Upcoming events:

• May 5: Lacey Community Center 
• June 18: Shoreline Conference Center
• June 23: Community Cultural Center of Tonasket 
• June 24: Grand Coulee Senior Center 
• July 9: Seattle Central Library
• Aug. 6: Kent Senior Activity Center

Find out more about these events and other events on the SHIBA calendar. 

Read more about SHIBA and how it can help you. Do you have Medicare questions? Call 1-800-562-6900.