Submitted by SHIBA

Is 2023 the year you join Medicare? Depending on your circumstances you may be enrolled automatically by Social Security or you may need to submit an application. To make an informed decision about your coverage choices, you will need to understand a lot of new information. Medicare has its own vocabulary and rules. There are deadlines you need to meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time. There are also federal and state programs available to help people with very low incomes and limited assets pay their Medicare premium, reduce their drug costs, and in some cover their Medicare copays and deductibles.

SHIBA volunteers are here to make the transition easier for you. Join us for a free online presentation on Thursday, Jan. 19 at 2 p.m. Come learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are and when you must act to avoid penalties. To register for the presentation email shibasjco@yahoo.com or call 360-376-5892. We will need your first and last name, your phone number and your email address to register you.

This presentation will be made by trained volunteers from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program overseen by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance in San Juan County.

SHIBA has trained volunteer counselors available on the three major islands in San Juan County.

To schedule your free personal, confidential, unbiased counseling session call your local SHIBA office. For Orcas, call 360-376-5892; on San Juan Island the number is 360-378-5246 X207 and to reach the Lopez SHIBA office, call 360-468-4117.

In San Juan County SHIBA is sponsored by the Inter Island Healthcare Foundation.