SPONSORED – If you\u2019re retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) volunteer could be for you! SHIBA volunteers make a difference in the life of people on Medicare. <\/p>\n
The SHIBA program is a free, unbiased, and confidential service offered through the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner. <\/p>\n
You don\u2019t have to know Medicare because you will receive basic training. And there is a variety of volunteer positions and time commitments available, so there is something for everyone. <\/p>\n
Our volunteers help people: <\/p>\n
\u2022\tDetermine general eligibility for health care coverage programs.
\n\u2022\tEvaluate and compare Medicare plans and programs.
\n\u2022\tProvide Medicare enrollment help.
\n\u2022\tSpeak with 1-800-MEDICARE on clients\u2019 behalf.
\n\u2022\tMake referrals to other agencies\/programs.
\n\u2022\tCollect and report possible Medicare fraud complaints.
\n\u2022\tMake public presentations to local groups.
\n\u2022\tProvide clerical support.
\n\u2022\tParticipate in outreach activities.<\/p>\n
Dick Anderson, a longtime 15-year SHIBA volunteer counselor from Wenatchee, talks about his experience volunteering with the program. \u201cI\u2019d pay money for them to let me do this,\u201d says Dick. \u201cIt\u2019s that big, and an important part of my life. Health insurance can be confusing, and I think that\u2019s one of the reasons why the SHIBA program has been so successful and has gotten such a good response from the public. What we do makes a difference, and we\u2019re able to help thousands of people each year.\u201d <\/p>\n