SHIBA: free, unbiased Medicare help in Washington

What Washington's Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors do, how to reach a volunteer, and how SHIBA counselling differs from talking to an agent.

Washington's Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. It trains volunteers to give free, unbiased help with Medicare. SHIBA is Washington's version of the federal State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) that exists in every state.

What SHIBA can help with

• Understanding Parts A, B, C and D and when to enroll.
• Comparing Medigap and Medicare Advantage in general terms.
• Reviewing Part D plans with the Medicare Plan Finder for your drug list.
• Applying for Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs.
• Billing problems, appeals and denied claims.
• Spotting scams and high-pressure sales.

What SHIBA does not do

SHIBA volunteers do not sell insurance and do not recommend specific companies. They can explain options and show you plan data, but enrollment is up to you, directly with Medicare or an insurer, or through a licensed agent.

SHIBA versus an independent agent

Both can be useful. SHIBA is free and neutral but cannot enroll you in a Medigap policy. A licensed independent agent can quote and submit applications with several insurers and is paid by the insurer, so it costs you nothing extra; prices for a given Medigap plan are the same whether you buy direct or through an agent. Many people use SHIBA to learn the landscape and an agent to compare and apply. An example of an independent Washington agency is Maru Insurance.

How to reach SHIBA

Use the "find local SHIBA help" tool on the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner website, which lists sponsor organizations by county. Appointments can be in person, by phone, or online, and many offices run Medicare 101 classes for people turning 65.

Good questions to bring

1. My drug list, with doses.
2. My doctors and hospitals, so we can check networks if considering Medicare Advantage.
3. Any employer or retiree coverage I have now.
4. My income range, to check eligibility for help with costs.

If you are approaching 65, the enrollment timeline explains the deadlines SHIBA will walk you through.

Questions people ask

Is SHIBA free?

Yes. It is a free program of the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner.

Can SHIBA enroll me in a plan?

SHIBA can help with Medicare.gov enrollment for Part D and Medicare Advantage, but does not sell Medigap.

Does using an agent cost more?

No. Medigap prices are the same direct or through an agent.

Is SHIBA the same as SHIP?

Yes. SHIBA is Washington's State Health Insurance Assistance Program.

Independent educational site. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or any insurance company. Figures are 2026 amounts published by CMS unless noted; check Medicare.gov for your situation.