SHIBA offers free workshops

People can get free advice on how to navigate the complicated Medicare and prescription drug system during weekly workshops in Spokane and Whitman counties put on by Statewide Health Insurance Benefit Advisors (SHIBA).

The service, which is open to everyone regardless of income, is provided Tuesdays and Thursdays in Spokane and Wednesdays in Pullman during the open enrollment for Medicare, which continues through Dec. 7. This is also the time to change Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare Part D.

The workshops are put on by the office of the state insurance commissioner and Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington. After the enrollment period closes, SHIBA has monthly workshops that include one-on-one counseling about health insurance and public health programs, not just Medicare.

Every Tuesday through Dec. 4, the workshop is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Aging and Long Term Care of Eastern Washington, 1222 N. Post St. in Spokane.

On Thursday through Dec. 3, the workshops are from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Shadle Library, 2111 W. Wellesley Ave., Spokane. On Dec. 7, the Shadle Library workshop is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In Whitman County, the workshops are Wednesday through Dec. 2 at the Pullman Senior Center, 325 SE Paradise, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Participants should bring a list of medications, with dosages, along with their Medicare card.

In 2014, more than 40 volunteers helped 4,561 people answer Medicare questions and provide one-on-one counseling. Dugan said more volunteers always are needed.

Erica Curless