— from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner —

Open enrollment in Medicare’s prescription drug program (Part D) and Medicare Advantage plans ends this Saturday, Dec. 7.

Help sorting through plans is available through the Washington state Insurance Commissioner’s SHIBA (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors) program.

“We have volunteers statewide ready to answer questions, search for plans online, and provide information about prescription drug and Medicare Advantage plans,” said Todd Dixon, SHIBA Manager.

[On Orcas Island, Pegi Groundwater and Michael Moss, are certified Statewide Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) and are prepared to answer your specific questions in a personal appointment (call 376-2561)].

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for help.

For help in other languages, call:

· Spanish, Medicare, 1-800-633-4227
· Spanish, National Alliance for Hispanic Health, 1-866-783-2645
· Korean, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 1-800-582-4259
· Chinese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 1-800-582-4218
· Vietnamese, National Asian Pacific Center on Aging, 1-800-582-4336
· Ask a trusted friend or relative for help

Thanks to James Wolf.