Celebrating during SHIBA Volunteer Recognition Week
Washington’s 65-and-up population has increased 63% over the last decade and more than 17% of Washingtonians are now senior citizens. The Office of the Insurance Commissioner gets more questions than ever about Medicare and health coverage challenges — but for 45 years now, one program has been dedicated to helping on that front.
The Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) Program, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year and earning a proclamation from Gov. Jay Inslee denoting this week (May 19–25, 2024) as SHIBA Volunteer Recognition Week, has been a beacon of support for Medicare beneficiaries.
SHIBA was founded by a group of volunteers in 1976. They saw the need to help guide senior citizens through the maze of health insurance and SHIBA was established as a pilot program shortly thereafter. It was endorsed by then-insurance commissioner Dick Marquardt in 1979.
SHIBA has a clear mission: provide free, unbiased, compassionate and confidential counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries. That includes enrollment guidance, helping with plan changes or access to prescription drug programs, and helping consumers report and safeguard themselves from fraudulent activities.
In 1990, it inspired the federal government to create the national State Health Insurance Assistance Programs. The federal program provides seniors with health insurance assistance in all 50 states plus Puerto Rico, Guam, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The volunteers are the heart of the program. These compassionate individuals, often seniors themselves, play a pivotal role in supporting their communities. They patiently guide beneficiaries, demystify insurance jargon, and provide a lifeline for those feeling overwhelmed. They help people save money on their health insurance and find the right coverage.
The SHIBA Program continues to excel in its 45th year. The volunteers find great meaning and satisfaction helping others in their community, and they’re always looking for more help!
For more information about SHIBA, volunteering opportunities, and the anniversary celebration, visit the official SHIBA website.
