SHIBA stands for Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance. It is a program run by the State of Oregon's Department of Consumer and Business Services.
SHIBA can:
help Medicare beneficiaries make better health insurance decisions
provide confidential, uniform, and objective health insurance assistance to Medicare beneficiaries
identify gaps in insurance laws and regulations, and communicate those problems to policy makers
support and recognize the efforts of volunteers
Why was SHIBA created?
Health insurance and the wide array of state and federal programs confuse some seniors. Many Oregon seniors have too much or inappropriate health insurance. Others don't get all their medical claims paid because they're overwhelmed by the paperwork. Many Medicare beneficiaries pay too much out of their own pockets and don't participate in programs that may help them.
SHIBA helps Oregon's seniors avoid these pitfalls and enjoy all the benefits to which they're entitled.
SHIBA is funded by the federal Health Care Financing Administration's Insurance Information, Counseling, and Assistance grant program.
SHIBA is part of the Insurance Division's Consumer Protection Section, which:
investigates complaints
provides advocacy services for consumers
provides useful information to help consumers make the best possible decisions about their insurance coverage
What are SHIBA's services?
SHIBA provides the following services through a statewide network of volunteers:
INFORMATION
Through SHIBA, consumers have access to a range of information and materials through a toll-free hotline. SHIBA staff also conduct education seminars for groups interested in senior health insurance issues.COUNSELING
SHIBA volunteers provide one-on-one counseling at community sites or in homes. Volunteers help seniors decide if they're eligible for benefits they're not receiving, compare insurance policies, file claims, and make effective appeals and complaints.ASSISTANCE ACTIVITIES
SHIBA volunteers are trained to make referrals to federal, state, and county offices and to identify potential insurance violations.To use any of these services, call the Jackson County SHIBA sponsor at (541) 857-7780, or the Department of Consumer and Business Services at 1-800-722-4134.
Volunteer Opportunities
SHIBA's success is built on a statewide network of trained volunteers.
A good volunteer candidate is someone who:
enjoys helping others
is dependable, understanding, patient, and compassionate
has good communication skills
can protect client confidentiality
has no conflict of interest
wants to provide SHIBA services
If these qualities describe you, please call 1-800-722-4134 and ask for a SHIBA volunteer application. During the past five years, SHIBA volunteers have saved Oregon Medicare beneficiaries more than $500,000.
