How to apply for SHIBA — Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors in Washington

Who it's for

SHIBA volunteers provide free, unbiased, and confidential help with Medicare — understanding the parts of Medicare, comparing plans, enrolling, and finding assistance programs. Any Medicare beneficiary can use SHIBA, including people under 65 with disabilities. Call 1-800-562-6900 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday) or find a local SHIBA office online.

What you'll need

• Medicare card
• List of current medications (for plan comparisons)

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about SHIBA — Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors. I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. I understand I may need medicare card, list of current medications (for plan comparisons) — is anything else required? What is the best next step?"

Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.

Step by step

1. Gather your Medicare card and a current list of your medications before reaching out to SHIBA.
2. Choose how you want to connect: call 1-800-562-6900 (Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) or find a local SHIBA office online.
3. Speak with a SHIBA volunteer or local office representative to explain what help you need — such as understanding Medicare parts, comparing plans, enrolling, or finding assistance programs.
4. Share your Medicare card information and medication list so the volunteer can give you the most accurate, personalized guidance.
5. Work with the volunteer to complete any enrollment or plan-comparison steps that apply to your situation.

What to expect: After connecting with a SHIBA volunteer, you will receive free, unbiased, and confidential guidance tailored to your Medicare questions or needs. Because SHIBA provides counseling rather than a single application decision, next steps depend on what you are trying to accomplish — such as enrolling in a plan or applying for an assistance program — and processing times for those actions vary; ask the volunteer for an estimate. Medicare plan options change each year, so plan to reconnect with SHIBA annually during the fall Open Enrollment period to review your coverage and make sure it still fits your needs.

Renewals

annual