Learn Medicare Basics in Free Virtual Presentation Thursday

By Pegi Groundwater, San Juan County SHIBA Volunteer Coordinator

Are you joining Medicare this year? If so, there’s a lot to learn.  

Medicare has its own vocabulary and rules. There are deadlines to meet and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time. 

SHIBA volunteers are here to make the transition easier. Join us for an online presentation 2 p.m. Thursday, July 29. Learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are and when you must act to avoid penalties. 

To register for the presentation, email [email protected] or call 360-376-5892. We will need first and last names, email addresses and phone numbers.

This is a free presentation made by trained volunteers from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or SHIBA, program overseen by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance in San Juan County.

There are many new terms for you to understand and several options from which to choose. Medicare has four different parts: A, B, C,and D.  You can stay with Original Medicare (Parts A & B) or buy a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) or a Medicare Supplement (also called Medigap), which is private insurance that works with Parts A and B.  Most people also buy Drug Insurance (Part D). 

Resources are available to help people with very low income and limited assets pay their Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles.

Call the local SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule your free personal, confidential, unbiased counseling session. In San Juan County, SHIBA is sponsored by the Inter Island Healthcare Foundation.

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