Submitted by Pegi Groundwater.

Are you joining Medicare this year? If so, there’s a lot of new information for you to understand. Medicare has its own vocabulary and rules. There are deadlines you need to make and penalties (some lasting a lifetime) for not doing things at the right time. You will need to choose among several types of coverage that will be available to you. Medicare covers most common health issues, but not everything is covered.

SHIBA volunteers are here to make the transition easier for you. Join us for an online presentation on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at 1 p.m. Come learn how Medicare works, what your coverage options are and when you must act to avoid penalties. To register for the presentation email orcasshiba@yahoo.com or call 360-376-5892. We will need your first and last name, your email address and your phone number to register you.

This is a free presentation made by trained volunteers from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program overseen by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance in San Juan County.

There are federal and state programs available to help people with very low incomes and limited assets pay their Medicare premiums, copays and deductibles.

SHIBA has trained volunteer counselors available on the 3 major islands in San Juan County. Call the local SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule your free personal, confidential, unbiased counseling session. In San Juan County SHIBA is sponsored by the Inter Island Healthcare Foundation.