Letter: SHIBA offering free assistance

Editor,

I am one of seven volunteers on Whidbey Island who offer guidance to folks getting ready to enroll in Medicare.

We also work closely with others who want to change their current plans or need help with their current Medicare. We normally meet in person with clients at locations throughout the island.

Obviously, we’ve had to rise to meet the challenge of the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to stay home and social distance. And we’ve done just that.

People can now call us and receive their Medicare counseling over the phone. It’s easy, it’s convenient, and we’re always available for follow-up calls.

If you find yourself wanting to learn more about how to enroll in Medicare, or what to do now that you’re retiring, or if you just have a question, don’t hesitate to call.

The staff at the Bayview Senior Center will arrange a date and time for one of us to give you a call. The number to call is 360-321-1600.

Don’t put off calling, because Medicare has important deadlines you don’t want to miss.

We volunteer under the local Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors, or SHIBA, program through Island Senior Services.

SHIBA is a free, unbiased service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Kati Corsaut

SHIBA Advisor

Coupeville