||| FROM PEGI GROUNDWATER for SHIBA |||
Is 2024 the year you join Medicare? Medicare enrollment is not automatic for most people, so you’ll
probably need to enroll with Social Security. Then you’ll have to decide what type of Medicare coverage
you want. To make an informed decision about your coverage choices, there is a lot of new information
you’ll need to understand.
Trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) volunteers are here to make the transition
easier for you. Join us for a free Welcome to Medicare presentation at the Orcas Senior Center on
Thursday, January 25 at 10:30 am. Come learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are
and when you must act to avoid penalties.
This presentation is also available by Zoom. To register for the Zoom presentation, email
shibasjco@yahoo.com. We will need your first and last name and your email address to register you.
Trained Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program volunteers will give this
presentation. SHIBA, which is a free, unbiased and confidential service offered through the Washington
state Office of the Insurance Commissioner, offers counseling assistance in San Juan County.
SHIBA has trained volunteer counselors available on the three major islands in San Juan County. Call the
Orcas Island SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule your free personal, confidential, unbiased
counseling session. The Orcas Senior Center sponsors the San Juan County SHIBA volunteers.
Thank you for what you do Pegi. I have been the recipient of your much-needed help when needed.
I wasn’t living on Orcas when I approached “Medicare age”. The local SS/Medicare office was about 15 minutes away. Three trips later I was finally enrolled. I blame it on the compexity of the system. Surely couldn’t have been me!
Whatever the cause, your guidance is a valuable resource for those facing enrollment on the island.