for Medicare counseling

State agency says 22,000 people qualify but aren't using program

SALEM - An estimated 22,000 Oregonians with Medicare qualify for assistance paying for prescription drug insurance but aren't taking advantage of this benefit, according to the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program.

SHIBA - a state program that counsels Medicare recipients - recently received additional federal funds to help educate Oregonians about this and other Medicare benefits.

"Many of Oregon's over 570,000 Medicare beneficiaries still don't know that they can get free, one-on-one Medicare counseling through their local SHIBA organization," said SHIBA Manager Lisa Emerson.

SHIBA is a statewide network of trained volunteers that provides unbiased, personalized information to Medicare recipients. It is funded by state general funds.

People who are eligible for Medicare may call the SHIBA program for help:

• Applying to the Social Security Administration (SSA) for assistance with prescription drug insurance costs. Eligibility is looked at every year. Some people may need to reapply if they failed to provide Social Security with updated information.

• Selecting a prescription drug plan that fits their needs.

• Understanding other Medicare choices such as how to select a supplement.

SHIBA can be reached toll-free at 1 (800) 722-4134. Callers are asked to use the telephone keypad to type in their ZIP code. In most areas, they will be transferred to a volunteer in their community. In a few rural areas, they will be connected with state staff in Salem.

For more information about SHIBA, visit www.oregonshiba.org.

Democrat-Herald