Whatcom County SHIBA Program
Insurance options for Medicare-eligible individuals
GET READY for Medicare Open Enrollment:
Attend a FREE WEBINAR or TELEPHONE EVENT !
Scroll Down to the Events List to REGISTER
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.
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.
Watch a recording of our recent SHIBA Webinar:
SHIBA SMP “Senior Scams & Medicare Fraud” Webinar, 7/22
Have Medicare Questions?
Make an appointment today with one of our trained volunteer advisors!
Call: (360) 788-2725
Email: shiba@nulloppco.org
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
Events List:
Event Name
|
Date |
Time |
Event Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Planning for 2021 | Tuesday, 10/6 | 1:30 PM – 2:30 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 (with WCOA) | Thursday, 10/8 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 (with WCOA) | Tuesday, 10/13 | 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Welcome to Medicare (with Lynden Community Center) | Wednesday, 10/14 | 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 (with Lynden Community Center) | Thursday, 10/15 | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 [CALL IN] | Tuesday, 10/20 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | TELEPHONE Presentation |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 | Thursday, 10/22 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 [CALL IN] | Tuesday, 10/27 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | TELEPHONE Presentation |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 | Tuesday, 11/03 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Welcome to Medicare (Whatcom Community College) | Thursday, 11/05 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | ZOOM Class |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 [CALL IN] | Tuesday, 11/10 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | TELEPHONE Presentation |
| Medicare Planning for 2021 | Tuesday, 11/17 | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | ZOOM Webinar |
| Welcome to Medicare (Whatcom Community College) | Tuesday, 12/01 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | ZOOM Class |