Medicare open enrollment for the 2024 year began on October 15th and remains open through December 7th. The Oregon Department of Human Services wants Oregonians to know about free help available when making decisions about coverage including the Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans.
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program within the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities is available to help Oregon residents understand their Medicare options and benefits, provide enrollment guidance and help people detect and avoid Medicare scams.
During open enrollment, people with Medicare can make changes to their health plan or prescription drug plan, pick a Medicare Advantage plan or choose Original Medicare.
Oregonians who need help navigating Medicare open enrollment are encouraged to call SHIBA at 1-(800)-722-4134 or learn more by visiting the SHIBA website at "SHIBA.Oregon.gov." The 2024 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans will be available on the SHIBA website in the coming days.
SHIBA-certified counselors can also help people report scams to Medicare and educate people on how to avoid health care scams and fraud. They are becoming more common through e-mail, text messages, social media and phone calls.
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments.
