Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance
Get Help Understanding Medicare
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) is a statewide network of volunteers that provide 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
1. DIY Plan Comparison
Watch this “Getting Ready for 2027” 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!
2. Download Resources
View a detailed, side-by-side comparison of next year’s Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage.
3. Request an Appointment
Want one-on-one help? Fill out a form to get on the waitlist. Note: Open enrollment appointments are currently full, but you can get help after open enrollment. Call 1-800-MEDICARE or contact a licensed insurance agent for more immediate help.
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.
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
- Medicare: Call 1-800-MEDICARE for general inquiries, claims, and billing questions. Representatives are available 7 days a week.
- Oregon State SHIBA hotline: Call 1-800-722-4134 or visit their website. (Note: The state SHIBA office is booked up for open enrollment calls.)
- Senior and Disability Services: Call 541-682-3353 for help applying to the Medicare Savings Program. An eligibility specialist is onsite at 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.
- 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.