Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance
Get Help Understanding Medicare
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) provides free, unbiased Medicare information to beneficiaries and their families or representatives. SHIBA helps prevent fraud, abuse, and scams and assists with Medicare appeals and other Medicare-related issues.
SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers who educate and advocate for people who have Medicare. Willamalane sponsors the SHIBA program for Lane County.
Open Enrollment Help: 3 Steps to Success
counter_1 DIY Plan Comparison
Watch our “Getting Ready for 2026” video to see what’s new in Medicare and learn how to compare Medicare Part C and D plans. With this knowledge, you may not need an appointment! The link to this video will be available in early October.
counter_2 DIY Attend a Class
Bring your laptop to Willamalane Adult Activity Center and get help working through the plan comparison process together.
counter_3 Request an Apointment
Want one-on-one help? Fill out our online form to skip the intake call and get on our appointment wait list.
More Resources
SHIBA has several resources available to help answer your questions.
Medicare Education Videos
Kick back with a notepad and learn at your own pace. Learning about Medicare can be easier with a pause button!
- Medicare 101: Learn about all the parts and pieces of Medicare (including A, B, C, D, and Medigap), when to enroll, and how to choose the option that works best for you. Last updated May 2025.
- Fraud Prevention: People with Medicare are disproportionately targeted for fraud and scams. Learn how to protect yourself, and understand the steps to take if you think you’re being targeted.
- Preventive Services: Medicare offers free services to help you stay healthy and catch potential issues early. Learn how they can keep you well.
Counsel-O-Matic
Get answers without an appointment. This online tool guides you through some of the most common questions and gives you actionable steps and sources.
Request an Appointment
SHIBA Volunteers can help you with the following:
- Understanding your Medicare options once you turn 65 or become Medicare-eligible
- Understanding the difference between Medicare parts A, B, C, and D
- Navigating the difference between Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans
- Screening for Medicare financial assistance programs
- Selecting and enrolling in Medicare Advantage plans
- Selecting and enrolling in a Medicare Part D plans
- Navigating Medicare billing issues
- Filing and navigating Medicare appeals
- Reporting and understanding Medicare fraud, errors, and abuse
Skip the intake process and get help faster by filling out this quick online form. Your information will go to our next available counselor.
You can also Lane County SHIBA hotline at 541-736-4421 to request an appointment.
Volunteer with SHIBA
Empower people in your community to make informed decisions for their health, finances, and peace of mind! SHIBA counselors help clients understand Medicare options, avoid costly mistakes, and feel confident in their decisions. Join our team and make a difference!
Request a Presentation
SHIBA volunteers can provide your organization with community education across Lane County at local community centers, libraries and other community spaces across the county.
Partner Organizations
- Oregon State SHIBA hotline: Call 1-800-722-4134 or visit their website.
- Senior and Disability Services: Call 541-682-3353 for help applying to the Medicare Savings Program. An eligibility Specialist is onsite at the Willamalane Adult Activity Center every Wednesday from 8 a.m.- 4 p.m.
- Oregon Medicare Savings Connect: Call 1-855-447-0155 for help applying for Part D assistance through the Social Security Administration. Or complete the online application here.
- Social Security Administration: If you are new to Medicare and are not taking Social Security, you will need to apply for parts A and B. You can do this by contacting the Social Security Administration at 866-563-3450 or online.
- RideSource service by LTD: To get assistance with transportation to your medical appointments, call 541-687-5555 and ask for a transportation assessment.
- Medicare: You can get help with many basic questions by calling 1-800-633-4227. Representatives are available 7 days a week.
- Aging and Disability Resource Connection: Older adults and people with disabilities can get a referral to over 5,000 resources across Oregon. Call 855-673-2372.
This website is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL) and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The contents were created by Willamalane Park and Recreation District and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.