Whatcom SHIBA
FREE – UNBIASED – CONFIDENTIAL
Medicare Insurance Options Counseling
(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 educational SHIBA events (REGISTER below)
- 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 Advisors can help you…
- Understand the various aspects of Medicare such as benefits, enrollment, costs, plan differences, and more.
- Evaluate, compare, and enroll in Medicare coverage options approved for Whatcom County by the WA State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC).
- Screen and enroll in money-saving programs such as Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and prescription assistance options.
- Report 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.
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, contact us at (360) 788-2725 or shiba@nulloppco.org.
About SHIBA:
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 experienced in counseling Medicare-eligible residents of all ages and backgrounds, trained to help you understand your rights and options by offering up-to-date information so you can make informed decisions related to your health insurance needs.
Watch a recorded SHIBA Webinar:
Senior Scams &
Medicare Fraud
SHIBA / SMP Presentation
Local Assistance with
Non-Medicare Health Care Coverage Options:
Unity Care Northwest Community Health Center:
(360) 788-2669
EMAIL: enrollment@nullucnw.org
WEB: 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
WEB: wahealthplanfinder.org
Medicare Reference Materials & Plan Info
Comparison Charts
- CHECKLIST: Your SHIBA Medicare Action Plan
- Your Medicare Coverage Choices
- 2022 Medicare hospital insurance covered services
(Part A & Part B) - 10 Standardized Medicare Supplement plans
(Medigaps) - Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
(Medigap vs Part C) - Approved Medicare Supplement plans in WA State
(Medigaps) - 2022 Medicare Advantage plans in Whatcom County
(Part C) - 2022 Medicare stand-alone prescription drug plans
(Part D)
Booklets, Brochures, Flyers
- BROCHURE: About SHIBA – Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors
- BROCHURE: Get help paying for Medicare (See if you qualify for Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program.)
- FLYER: Get help paying for Medicare – Information for American Indians & Alaskan Natives
- BOOKLET: Paying for prescription drugs
- BOOKLET: What you need to know about Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Medicare Fraud & COVID Scams |
Second Wednesdays | 3:00 – 3:45 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Welcome to Medicare (via Whatcom Community College) |
Tuesday, 11/1 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | ZOOM Class |
| Welcome to Medicare (via Whatcom Community College) |
Monday, 12/5 | 6:30 – 8:30 PM | ZOOM Class |