Why Use SHIBA Resources For Your Medicare Insurance Plans

What Is Seniors Health Insurance Benefit Association (SHIBA)?

Seniors Health Insurance Benefit Association (SHIBA) is a state-run program that offers free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to seniors regarding their health insurance options. The program is available to residents of all states in the United States.

The SHIBA program was established in 1990 as part of the Older Americans Act. Its mission is to help seniors understand and navigate the complex world of health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, and other private insurance plans. The program is funded by the federal government, and administered by each state’s insurance department.

Benefits Of SHIBA

• One of the primary functions of SHIBA is to provide one-on-one counseling sessions to seniors who need help understanding their health insurance options. These sessions are conducted by trained and certified counselors who have extensive knowledge of the various insurance plans available to seniors. Counselors can help seniors compare and evaluate different plans, answer questions about coverage and benefits, and assist with enrollment.
• SHIBA also provides educational materials and workshops to help seniors understand their health insurance options. These resources can be accessed online or in-person, depending on the state’s availability. Seniors can learn about the different types of health insurance plans, how to enroll in Medicare, and how to navigate the health care system.
• Another important role of SHIBA is to help seniors identify and report instances of Medicare fraud and abuse. This can include fraudulent billing practices, identity theft, and other forms of financial exploitation. By reporting these instances, seniors can help prevent fraud and protect themselves and others from financial harm.

Tips When Shopping For Medicare Plans

Shopping for Medicare plans can be a confusing and overwhelming experience. Here are some tips to help you navigate the process and find the plan that’s right for you:

1. Understand the different parts of Medicare: Medicare is divided into several parts, each covering different services. Part A covers hospital services, Part B covers doctor visits and outpatient services, Part C (also known as Medicare Advantage) combines Parts A and B and may offer additional benefits, and Part D covers prescription drugs. Make sure you understand what each part covers and how they fit together.
2. Review your healthcare needs: Consider your healthcare needs and budget when selecting a Medicare plan. This includes thinking about how often you see doctors, what medications you take, and what procedures you may need. This will help you determine which plan offers the coverage you need at a price you can afford.
3. Compare plans: Medicare plans can vary widely in terms of cost, coverage, and benefits. Use Medicare’s Plan Finder tool to compare plans in your area based on your healthcare needs and budget. Be sure to review the plan’s provider network and formulary (list of covered medications) to ensure your doctors and medications are covered.
4. Check for extra benefits: Some Medicare Advantage plans offer additional benefits, such as vision, dental, or hearing coverage. Consider these benefits when comparing plans to determine which plan offers the most comprehensive coverage for your needs.
5. Consider your travel plans: If you travel frequently, consider a plan that offers nationwide coverage or a plan that includes coverage for emergency care outside of the United States.
6. Review the plan’s costs: Be sure to review the plan’s premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and out-of-pocket maximums. These costs can vary widely between plans and can have a significant impact on your budget.
7. Get help if you need it: If you’re having trouble selecting a Medicare plan or understanding your options, consider contacting a SHIBA counselor or a licensed insurance agent who specializes in Medicare. These resources can provide you with unbiased advice and help you find the plan that’s right for you.

Shopping for Medicare plans can be a daunting task, but by understanding your healthcare needs, comparing plans, and reviewing costs and benefits, you can find the plan that’s right for you.

Reasons To Use SHIBA When Buying Medicare Plans

SHIBA is a valuable resource when buying Medicare plans because it provides free, unbiased, and confidential counseling to seniors regarding their health insurance options. Here are some reasons why you may want to use SHIBA when buying Medicare plans:

1. Access to knowledgeable counselors: SHIBA provides one-on-one counseling sessions with trained and certified counselors who have extensive knowledge of the various insurance plans available to seniors. These counselors can help you compare and evaluate different plans, answer questions about coverage and benefits, and assist with enrollment.
2. Unbiased advice: SHIBA counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, so they can provide unbiased advice about your health insurance options. They can help you understand the pros and cons of each plan and choose the one that best meets your needs.
3. Confidentiality: SHIBA counseling sessions are confidential, so you can discuss your health insurance options without fear of your personal information being shared with anyone else.
4. Education and resources: SHIBA provides educational materials and workshops to help seniors understand their health insurance options. These resources can be accessed online or in-person, depending on the state’s availability. Seniors can learn about the different types of health insurance plans, how to enroll in Medicare, and how to navigate the health care system.
5. Help with Medicare fraud and abuse: SHIBA can help seniors identify and report instances of Medicare fraud and abuse. This can include fraudulent billing practices, identity theft, and other forms of financial exploitation. By reporting these instances, seniors can help prevent fraud and protect themselves and others from financial harm.

Overall, SHIBA is an invaluable resource for seniors who need help navigating the complex world of health insurance. The program provides free, unbiased, and confidential counseling and education, and helps seniors protect themselves from fraudulent and abusive practices. If you or someone you know needs help understanding their health insurance options, SHIBA may be able to provide the assistance you need. Or you can contact our team Boise Health, Life, & Medicare Broker for your inquiries and question regarding your Medicare coverage.

Thank You For Visiting!