Medicare Help

Medicare open enrollment

Medicare's open enrollment period for changing or choosing plans is October 15 through December 7 each year. During this time, you can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, switch Medicare Advantage plans, or change Part D prescription drug plans. Any changes you make during this period will take effect on January 1 of the following year. There is also a Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January 1 to March 31, when those already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to another or switch back to Original Medicare.

Medicare assistance available throughout the year

Get free and neutral Medicare help with trained and certified Medicare counselors with the SHIBA program. They will answer your questions and help you weigh your options so you can choose the right plan for you.

Medicare help is provided in Washington County by trained volunteers in the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program. The counselors are highly trained and offer FREE Medicare counseling.

SHIBA counselors can assist you in the following ways:

• If you have questions about your current Medicare insurance
• If you need help understanding Medicare
• If you need help choosing a new health plan for the next year
• If you have questions about your Medicare billing

SHIBA counselors can be reached by calling 503-846-3094. Please leave a brief message with your name, phone number, city you live in and if you would prefer help in a language other than English. Our counselors use interpreters so we can serve you in your native language.

• The Oregon State SHIBA network has several virtual Medicare classes available in the coming months which are posted on their classes web page. Classes are held at various dates and times to accommodate schedules. Additional classes will be posted as they become available, so please check back often for new offerings.