SHIBA. No, this is not meant to be a reference to the Queen of Shiba. It is just a simple acronym for Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors.

SHIBA is a service provided through the Washington state Office of the Insurance Commissioner that assists folks in navigating the Medicare forest and helps with accessing prescriptions and a myriad of other insurance issues. Hence, the Office of Insurance Commissioner connection. 

Sometimes its a matter of needing some guidance while enrolling in Medicare Part D (prescriptions), which is an annual event. Sometimes it concerns prescription assistance above and beyond (or beside) Part D. Sometimes, its a question about whats happening with Basic Health, or Apple Health for kids during all the budget adjustments.

Other issues may be trying to find a Medicare Advantage Plan or a Medigap (Medicare supplement) option, or just trying to decipher information youve received in the mail. Or Medicare Savings Plans that provide assistance with Part B premiums if you meet the eligibility.

Since we looked very generally at the various parts of Medicare a couple columns back, we wont go into it again, but know this: help is available through SHIBA folks in our offices. And you can certainly go to www.medicare.gov and do your own exploring; however, SHIBA often has some clear comparison sheets, and can find out which plans are available in our area with relative ease.

And while were on the subject of working with folks on these issues, how about you? Does working with others to navigate these waters sound like something youd be interested in? SHIBA is always on the lookout for volunteers. Training is provided and not only will you become more knowledgeable, but you can share that information with other folks in the community. For an overview, go to the website of Insurance Commissioner (www.insurance.wa.gov), and hit the SHIBA Helpline link at the left side of the home page. 

There are opportunities for volunteers in both ends of Pacific County, so if youre interested, give Jo Christie, the SHIBA volunteer coordinator, a call at 642-3634, or 888-571-6558, ext. 14. Or you can email her at chrisjl@dshs.wa.gov. 

Even if youre not up for volunteering and are just trying to figure which way to go next, contact Jo Christie, or in north county, Carol Wiitala (942-2177 or 888-571- 6557). Theyre here to help and thats always a good thing.