Whatcom SHIBA
FREE, UNBIASED, & CONFIDENTIAL
Insurance options counseling for
Medicare-eligible individuals
360-788-2725
shiba@nulloppco.org
Don’t know where to start with Medicare?
You’ve come to the right place:
- Review our FREE reference materials
- Attend FREE informational SHIBA event REGISTER)
- Request a FREE remote 1-on-1 counseling appointment with a trained SHIBA volunteer:
- Fill out the Contact Us Form (opens new page)
- Call: (360) 788-2725
- Email: shiba@nulloppco.org
SHIBA: Medicare Advising
SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) is a free, confidential, and impartial counseling resource sponsored by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
Volunteer SHIBA advisors are highly trained and experienced to counsel Medicare-eligible residents of all ages and backgrounds. They will help you understand your rights and options, and offer up-to-date information so that you can make informed decisions concerning your health insurance needs.
SHIBA advisors can help you with:
- Understanding the various aspects of Medicare such as benefits, enrollment, costs, plan differences, and more.
- Evaluating, comparing, and enrolling in options available in Whatcom County as approved by the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
- Screening and enrolling in cost-saving programs such as Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and prescription assistance options.
- Reporting fraud, complaints, grievances, and appeals to the OIC or your insurance company.
- Connecting to adjacent services and assistance at other agencies and programs such as SSA, CMS, DSHS, HCA, VA, PEBB, WA HealthPlanFinder, Northwest Regional Council, etc.
Public SHIBA presentations and seminars are available to your group or organization. Please contact us with inquiries at (360) 788-2725.
Assistance with Non-Medicare Health Care Coverage Options:
Unity Care Northwest Community Health Center:
(360) 788-2669
Email: enrollment@nullucnw.org
Website: www.ucnw.org/insurance-resources-and-enrollment
Sea Mar Community Health Center:
Bellingham: (360) 671-3225
Everson: (360) 354-0766
Email: seamaripa@nullseamarchc.org
Washington HealthPlanFinder:
1 (855) 923-4633
Website: wahealthplanfinder.org
Become a SHIBA volunteer
Help your friends, neighbors and family learn more about health insurance and public programs! SHIBA Volunteers receive 30 hours of basic health insurance training, monthly updates, and ongoing supervision and support by a staff member of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. To express interest or learn more, please contact the SHIBA Program at:
(360) 788-2725 or shiba@nulloppco.org.
Medicare Reference Materials & Plan Info
Comparison Charts:
- Your Medicare coverage choices
- 2021 Medicare Advantage Plans (King County)
- 2021 Medicare hospital insurance covered services (Parts A & B)
- 2021 Medicare Part D stand-alone prescription drug plans
- Approved Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans (updated quarterly)
- Comparing Medicare supplement (Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans
- 10 Standardized Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans
Booklets, Brochures, and Flyers:
- 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
Upcoming Events
Event Name
|
Date |
Time |
Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to Medicare (Whatcom Community College) | Monday, 9/13 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | ZOOM Class |
| Intro to SHIBA & Medicare Open Enrollment (w/ Lynden Senior / Community Center) | Tuesday, 10/5 | 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM | HYBRID Presentation |
| Medicare: Getting Started | Tuesday, 10/26 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | HYBRID Presentation |
| Medicare: Getting Started | Thursday, 10/28 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ZOOM Presentation |
| Welcome to Medicare (Whatcom Community College) | Tuesday, 11/02 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | ZOOM Class |
| Welcome to Medicare (Whatcom Community College) | Wednesday, 12/01 | 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM | ZOOM Class |