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 Plan Comparisons
Lane County SHIBA is currently fully booked on in-person and phone appointments for open enrollment counseling. Here are other ways to get help.
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 can explore plans on your own!
counter_2 Connect with Other Resources
- For open enrollment plan comparisons, find a licensed Medicare insurance agent near you.
- For general Medicare questions, call the Medicare Help Line at 1-800-633-4227.
- Download the 2026 Medicare Advantage with Drug Coverage plan comparison chart.
counter_3 Join the Wait List
Although all appointment slots are currently full, there are sometimes cancellations. If you’d like to get on the wait list to fill a phone or in-person cancellation slot, fill out this form. You can also fill this out if you have questions unrelated to open enrollment or would like to talk to someone after open enrollment ends.
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.
Medicare FAQ Tool
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.