An open enrollment counseling session will be held on Thursday, Oct. 26, to help people who have questions about Medicare Part D drug plans or Medicare Advantage plans.
Two volunteer counselors from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program will be at the event to provide guidance. The event is free and will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Winthrop library.
People with Part D drug plans should have received notice of any changes to their insurance policies for 2024, said Karen Reneau, one of the SHIBA counselors hosting the event. The counselors will help people review and compare their Medicare drug or Advantage plans, which can only be changed during open enrollment, which runs Oct. 15 through Dec. 7.
Participants should bring Medicare cards, insurance information, and a list of prescription drugs, dosages, and refill information. The event is first-come, first-served. People will also be able to leave contact information for the counselors to be contacted after the event.
People with Medigap supplemental policies can make changes to their plans any time, and are not restricted to open enrollment periods to adjust their insurance, Reneau said.
SHIBA counselors are trained to provide unbiased information, and do not sell any insurance products. The SHIBA program operates in conjunction with the Washington State Office of Insurance Commissioner. For questions or to make an appointment with a counselor, call 1-888-452-0731.
