Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) Certified Counselor
SHIBA certified counselors help people with Medicare select Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), compare Medicare Advantage plans, compare Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, and apply for Medicare Savings Programs, including Extra Help with Medicare Part D. SHIBA counselors also review Medicare bills, assist with appeals, and report complaints. Assistance is offered by phone and in person.
Interested?
The SHIBA program seeks people who desire to help others, are dependable, understanding, patient, and compassionate. Interested individuals should have good communications skills, be able to protect client confidentiality, have no conflict of interest (such as an insurance agent), and be able to use a computer, email, and the Internet. SHIBA counselors typically volunteer 4 hours a week, yet may volunteer more or less. Mandatory counselor meetings generally occur every other month. In addition, counselors undergo annual recertification. Initial training includes online training modules, face-to-face training, and at least 10 hours of shadowing.
How do I learn more and/or apply?
To learn more, please visit the Oregon SHIBA website at:
http://www.oregon.gov/DCBS/SHIBA/volunteer.shtml.
You are also invited to contact your local SHIBA Coordinator.
Clatsop County
Michelle Lewis
(503) 861-4202
michelle.lewis@nwsds.org
Tillamook County
Alison Smith
(503) 815-2062
alison.smith@nwsds.org
Marion, Polk, Yamhill Counties
Beth Jackson, Ed.M.
(503) 304-3653
beth.jackson@nwsds.org
