Idaho SHIBA

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Idaho SHIBA Idaho SHIBA, a service of the Idaho Department of Insurance, provides free, unbiased Medicare counsel to Idahoans. Questions about Medicare?

We're here to help at no charge. For help and information:
• Call (800) 247-4422
• Visit http://shiba.idaho.gov
• Email IdahoSHIBA @ doi.idaho.gov


Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is Idaho's provider of Medicare benefits assistance programs for the federal network of State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) operated under the Agency for Community Living. It is a service of the Idaho Department of Insurance Consumer Services Bureau with financial assisance, in part, through grants from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). SHIBA offers free, unbiased counseling, education and resources that help Medicare beneficiaries and those who help them better understand their benefits and choose the best options available for them.

10/15/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment starts today!

From Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, you have an opportunity to make changes to your Medicare coverage for 2027.

During Open Enrollment, you can:
• Join, switch or drop a Medicare Advantage plan
• Join, switch or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage

You can also choose to keep your current coverage if it still meets your needs. Changes made during Open Enrollment generally take effect Jan. 1, 2027.

📞 Need help reviewing your options? Call SHIBA at 800-247-4422 to set up an appointment with a trained counselor.

10/08/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15. Are you ready?

Just one week to go! Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to make certain changes to your Medicare coverage for 2027, including switching Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.

Your health, prescriptions, doctors and budget can change from year to year. That’s why it’s a good idea to review your Medicare plan annually and make sure it still fits your needs.

🔗 Learn more about Medicare, including plans and open enrollment:
https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/

📞 Want help reviewing your options? Call SHIBA at 800-247-4422 to set up an appointment with a trained counselor.

10/01/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment starts Oct. 15. Is your plan still right for you?

Open Enrollment (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7) is just two weeks away. It’s the time when Medicare beneficiaries can make certain changes to their coverage for the following year, including changing Medicare Advantage or Part D plans.

If you have Medicare Advantage or Part D, you should have received an Annual Notice of Change from your plan outlining changes coming next year. Take a look at your notice and review your coverage, prescriptions, doctors and costs. If you need to make a change, Open Enrollment is the time to do it.

🔗 Learn more about Medicare, including plans and open enrollment:
https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/

📞 Want help reviewing your options? Call SHIBA at 800-247-4422 to set up an appointment with a trained counselor.

Protect Yourself From Improper Medicare MarketingMedicare marketing can come at you from all directions, especially as O...
09/29/2026

Protect Yourself From Improper Medicare Marketing

Medicare marketing can come at you from all directions, especially as Open Enrollment approaches. While much of it is legitimate, some sales tactics can be misleading, deceptive, or even scams.

Be cautious if someone:
⚠️ Pressures you to make a quick decision
⚠️ Asks for your Medicare number or other personal information
⚠️ Tries to sell you coverage you aren’t sure you need
⚠️ Uses confusing or deceptive sales tactics

You have the right to take your time with Medicare decisions. When evaluating your options, SHIBA recommends working with a local trusted insurance agent or a government agency like SHIBA.

See something that doesn’t feel right? SHIBA can help you understand your options and report concerns about improper marketing.

🌐 Learn more about improper Medicare marketing: https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/medicare-improper-marketing/

📞 Call SHIBA at 208-334-4319 if you have questions or concerns.

🌿 September Is Healthy Aging Month!Healthy aging is about more than adding years to your life. It’s about taking care of...
09/24/2026

🌿 September Is Healthy Aging Month!

Healthy aging is about more than adding years to your life. It’s about taking care of yourself so you can continue enjoying the people, activities, and things you love.

If you have Medicare, you have a valuable benefit that can help: an Annual Wellness Visit. It’s an opportunity to talk with your doctor about your health, review your preventive care, and create a personalized prevention plan.

(One important note: an Annual Wellness Visit is different from a routine physical.)

If you haven’t scheduled your Annual Wellness Visit yet this year, September is a great time to call your doctor and make an appointment.

Here’s to staying healthy, active, and enjoying every stage of life! 💚

09/21/2026

Turning 65 soon? Helping a parent or loved one prepare for Medicare? SHIBA has detailed online resources to help you get up to speed.

SHIBA’s New to Medicare video series gives you the information you need to start planning, including:
🔹 How Medicare works
🔹 When and how to enroll
🔹 Medicare coverage options
🔹 Prescription drug coverage
🔹 Medigap plans
🔹 Who qualifies for financial assistance
🔹 Helpful tools and resources

Whether you’re preparing for yourself or helping someone you care about, doing a little research can make Medicare easier to understand. Then when it’s time to pick up the phone, you’ll be ready to discuss the choices that are right for you.

🌐 Explore SHIBA’s New to Medicare resources:
https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/

📅 Open Enrollment Is Coming! Schedule Your SHIBA Appointment NowMedicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner on O...
09/17/2026

📅 Open Enrollment Is Coming! Schedule Your SHIBA Appointment Now

Medicare Open Enrollment is right around the corner on Oct. 15, and SHIBA’s trained counselors are ready to help you review your coverage and understand your options.

Because appointments are limited, don’t wait to get on the calendar!

During your appointment, you can talk with a SHIBA counselor about:
✅ Your Medicare plan needs and options for next year
✅ Changes you may want to consider to your health plan
✅ Whether you may qualify for programs that can help with Medicare costs
✅ Questions or concerns about your Medicare coverage

Every person’s Medicare needs are different. SHIBA counselors provide free, unbiased information with no sales pressure to help you make informed decisions.

📞 Call SHIBA at 1-800-247-4422 to schedule your appointment today.

09/15/2026

Medicare Open Enrollment begins October 15. That means there’s just one month to go!

Medicare plans can change from year to year, so it’s important to review your Medicare coverage annually to make sure your plan still offers the right coverage for your needs at a price that works for you.

📅 When is it?
October 15–December 7, 2026

🔄 What is it?
The annual period when people with Medicare can review and change their coverage. New coverage will begin on January 1, 2027.

✅ What can you change?
• Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
• Switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare
• Change from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
• Join, change, or drop a Part D prescription drug plan

Take the time to review your coverage this fall. A little planning now can help you avoid surprises next year.

📞 Call SHIBA at 1-800-247-4422 to schedule an appointment with a trained counselor.
🌐Learn more: https://doi.idaho.gov/shiba/new-to-medicare/

Happy National Grandparents Day! ❤️Grandparents have a special way of making family memories that last a lifetime. Today...
09/13/2026

Happy National Grandparents Day! ❤️

Grandparents have a special way of making family memories that last a lifetime. Today is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate those relationships. Whether you’re a grandparent or lucky enough to have one, there are so many simple ways to connect and enjoy time together:

📞 Call or video chat with a grandparent or grandchild
📸 Look through old family photos and share the stories behind them
🍪 Make a favorite family recipe together
🎲 Play a game or work on a puzzle
🌳 Take a walk or enjoy an afternoon together
💬 Ask a grandparent to share a favorite story from growing up

Sometimes, it’s the simple moments that become the memories we treasure most. ❤️

Address

700 W State St
Boise, ID
83720

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18002474422

Website

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