Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) offers “Welcome to Medicare” informational video series
Monday July 8, 2024Contact: Julie Robinson, 208-334-4312
julie.robinson@doi.idaho.gov
BOISE, ID (July 8, 2024) – This year, there are expected to be more individuals turning 65 than ever before – a record of 4.1 million. Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) has produced a six-part video series for Idahoans turning 65 who are new to Medicare, or those interested in reviewing the basics. These videos allow any Idahoan with internet access to learn about Medicare, their choices, and where they can get assistance.
The six-part, 50-minute video series can be watched at one’s own pace. The videos, which can be found at https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/, are available in both English and Spanish and cover the following topics:
- Enrollment in Medicare
- Medicare basics: Part A and Part B
- Your coverage choices; original Medicare; Medigap insurance
- Medicare Advantage; other types of coverage
- Medicare Part D; annual open enrollment period
- Help for people with limited income; protect yourself and prevent fraud; review and resources
“We hope these videos can provide information to both those who are new to Medicare, and those who are wanting to brush up on the basics,” said Director Dean L. Cameron. “We want to give Idahoans the tools they need to make the best decision regarding their health insurance.”
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) serves Idahoans on Medicare and those who help them by offering free, unbiased Medicare benefits information and assistance through workshops, group presentations and personal counseling.
Each year, SHIBA individually counsels thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, by phone or in person, in communities throughout Idaho. SHIBA conducts workshops and provides information to beneficiaries and those who help them. SHIBA has offices in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, and Pocatello. A network of certified volunteers and partners assist people in communities throughout the state. Medicare Counselors are available to meet in person, over the phone, and answer questions via email. Call 1-800-247-4422 or fill out the online form at https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/about-shiba/ask-shiba/ .
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About the Idaho Department of Insurance
The Idaho Department of Insurance has been regulating the business of insurance in Idaho since 1901. The mission of the Department is to serve and protect Idahoans by equitably, effectively and efficiently administering the Idaho Insurance Code and the International Fire Code. For more information, please visit us at doi.idaho.gov or email us at consumeraffairs@doi.idaho.gov.
About SHIBA
SHIBA – a service of the Idaho Department of Insurance – is Idaho’s provider for the federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs). The program is partially funded by and operated under the authority of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living (ACL).