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Kathy Dugan took a moment during a recent meeting of the Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisory group to read a message of appreciation.
The simple “thank you” card was sent to the office of Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, the umbrella organization for SHIBA, by a local resident who had requested help with questions involving health insurance and been given some worthwhile advice.
Dugan, who oversees the advisory program, said that while Hallmark cards may not show up every day, area seniors are thankful for a resource that provides clear answers and reliable support.
“People are grateful we’re here,” she said.
Have a question about Medicare Part D? Confused about the types and benefits of Medicare Advantage plans? There’s a good chance that the people at SHIBA can help. Marian Sheafor, who began volunteering with the organization about a year ago, said the maze of programs keeps getting even more complicated.
“Even my friends have confusion about health care and insurance,” Sheafor said. “I’m sure there are many people out there who still don’t know they can call SHIBA for help.”
Dugan said that in 2007 there were 38 different plans offered through the various Medicare Advantage programs in the Spokane area. There are now close to 70.
Medicare Advantage programs are run by private companies who coordinate Medicare Part A (hospital) and Part B (medical) benefits and often include coverage in areas like prescription medication. Premiums are lower than the general Medicare supplement insurance, but Dugan said seniors must make sure to gather specific information about what each Medicare Advantage plan covers.
“You need to find out what happens when you go to the hospital or if you get injured on a visit out of the state,” Dugan said. “You need to ask detailed questions.”
A federally funded agency, SHIBA has been part of the ALTCEW stable of programs since 1995. There are branches of the organization throughout Washington and across the U.S. At the Spokane Valley Senior Center, director Karen Parson said she recommends the helpline to seniors who are unsure about the shifting climate of insurance coverage. An informational poster on the program is posted in the lobby of the center.
“If they have questions, our advice is to call SHIBA,” Parson said.
Judy Nelson has been a volunteer with the organization for the past four years. Like many volunteers, Nelson specializes in a specific area. Questions that she can’t answer are routed back to ALTCEW or to the Office of the State Insurance Commissioner. Nelson spends from six to eight hours a week working from home. Volunteers can determine their own schedule.
“Medicare is a system – each year it changes,” Nelson said. “The more information you have, the better.”
Dugan said the program could benefit from additional volunteers. Training sessions take place every four months with registration for the next course closing on April 10.
SHIBA is trying to get the word out not only to seniors who have reached retirement age, but also to those who are approaching 65. Representatives address gatherings at senior citizen centers, church groups and other locations, providing an overview of the program and steps people can take to stay informed. Nick Beamer, executive director of ALTCEW, said that SHIBA typifies the purpose of an organization founded in 1978 as a reliable resource for elderly residents.
“As an agency, we’re supposed to be advocates for seniors,” he said. “This is one of the ways we can help.”
Part of that advocacy includes watching out for scams or frauds tied to insurance coverage or other services for seniors.
“People really need to call if it looks too good to be true,” Dugan said.
Mike Godek, director of Senior Helpers, an in-home care company based in Spokane Valley, said SHIBA continues to assist seniors “beyond the inundation of marketing.”
“I think things should be simplified way more than they are now,” Godek said. “There are a lot of different programs out there and fortunately SHIBA can help seniors find their way.”
Dugan also refers callers to resources like a Web site – www.benefitscheckup.org – that provides a summary of available benefits, from energy assistance to military
“Some people don’t realize they qualify for a lot more,” Dugan said.
Want to find out more?
To contact the local office of SHIBA or to find out more about programs offered by Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, call 458-2509 or visit www.altcew.org. The Spokane Valley Senior Center can be reached at 926-1937.
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By
Craig Howard
