If you are currently on Medicare and are thinking about changing your Medicare plan or adding coverage, or if you are turning 65 soon and want to sign up for Medicare, there are some important dates coming up that you will want to remember. Open enrollment for Medicare this year is October 4 to December 4.
There are several ways you can sign up or receive advice and assistance during this period. One is to go to the official Medicare website, which is www.medicare.gov. Another way is to contact SHIBA, a program of the State of Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner. Their phone number is (800) 562-6900 or you can reach them through www.insurance.wa.gov. SHIBA volunteers are trained to assist with free, unbiased, and confidential information about all aspects of Medicare.
In addition, the Senior Center of West Seattle has a SHIBA volunteer the first Tuesday of every month. Appointments are limited, and you must sign up in advance by calling our
front desk. Or, come to a Medicare 101 Workshop provided by Medicare Specialist, Ann-Marie Murray.
If you are low-income, Holly or Toni may be able to help you apply for a program that will pay your Medicare premiums. Medicare is a complex program and Medicare recipients have many decisions to make about the various plans. We want to help you make the decisions that will best meet your needs!
Holly (206) 932-4044 x2 or Toni (206) 932-4044 x9.