Press release: Free help available during Medicare Open Enrollment
October 7, 2025
Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period, also called the Annual Election Period, runs each year from October 15th to December 7th. For more than 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries in Washington state, this is an important time of year.
During this time, those on Medicare:
- Can switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan – and vice versa.
- With Original Medicare can join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan.
- With a Medicare Advantage plan can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan.
Individuals don’t have to navigate Medicare alone, Aging & Long Term Care of Eastern Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program is ready to help with these decisions. SHIBA is a free, unbiased, and confidential service of the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC). Our well-trained volunteers counsel people of all ages, adults living with disabilities, and people getting ready to retire about their Medicare choices.
“SHIBA can help you understand your Medicare rights and options. Our volunteers assist people through group presentations or one-on-one counseling. We answer your Medicare questions, make referrals, and help compare and evaluate health insurance policies,” said Monica Kudrna, SHIBA Coordinator.
Learn more about SHIBA by visiting www.altcew.org, and OIC at www.insurance.wa.gov. To attend one of SHIBA’s free upcoming Medicare Open Enrollment information sessions or schedule a one-on-one meeting, call (509) 625-4801 or visit www.altcew.org/news-events/event-calendar.
Medicare is not a one-size fits all program. Each person’s needs, situation, and benefits are different – and that includes spouses who may have their own unique Medicare plan.
Before you make a final decision, consider these tips:
- Plan costs and coverage can change every year, so review and keep all letters and notices your current plan sends you.
- List all the current prescription drugs you take, the doses, and how often. Then, use the Plan Finder at medicare.gov to compare Part D plans.
- Review the Medicare & You handbook. You should receive it by mid-October.
- If you have questions, call your local SHIBA office at: (509) 625-4801. SHIBA volunteers will be available for phone counseling, Monday through Friday.
