Oregon Program Offers Free Help To Compare Plans, Save On Costs During Medicare Open Enrollment - 10/22/26
(Salem) — Medicare beneficiaries who would like to discuss plan options can receive free, confidential help from the Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) during Open Enrollment. Help includes comparing and selecting Medicare plans, reviewing their current coverage and assistance with making changes for the upcoming year.
Medicare Open Enrollment for 2027 plans began Oct. 15 and will remain open through Dec. 7, 2026.
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program provides free help from certified counselors who can help people understand their benefits and make informed decisions about their Medicare options.
During the Open Enrollment period, people with Medicare can:
- Switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare,
- Change their Medicare Advantage Plan,
- Change or enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan, and
- Review changes in costs, coverage and provider networks.
SHIBA is one of several programs within the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities that provides services to older adults in Oregon regardless of their income. The information SHIBA provides not only supports older adults as they make decisions, but can help them recognize Medicare scams during Open Enrollment.
“Navigating Medicare coverage is complex and Oregonians should not have to navigate Medicare alone,” said APD Director Nakeshia Knight, Ph.D. “Our goal is to make that process easy, accessible, and free.”
Even if someone is happy with their current plan, a quick comparison can reveal better options. SHIBA certified counselors can help Oregonians compare plans and explain programs that can save them money on Medicare costs. Counselors can help beneficiaries avoid late-enrollment penalties and unexpected out-of-pocket charges, review annual plan changes, and ensure their prescriptions and preferred providers remain covered. Some Medicare beneficiaries may also qualify for cost-saving programs such as Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help.
SHIBA reports scams to Medicare in addition to educating people on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud. Common scams include claiming beneficiaries need a new card or offers of free medical equipment. These scams can happen by mail, over the phone, or by text and email. The best way to avoid Medicare scams is to keep Medicare numbers private; anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond.
How to get free help
Help from SHIBA is available over the phone and through virtual and in-person appointments. To talk to a SHIBA certified counselor or to make an appointment, call SHIBA at 800-722-4134 (toll-free.)
Because high call volume during Open Enrollment may result in longer than usual wait times, Oregonians are also encouraged to access free resources on the SHIBA website at SHIBA.oregon.gov.
Online resources include:
- The 2027 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans, which is available on the SHIBA website and will be translated to multiple languages in the coming weeks.
- Medicare frequently asked questions,
- An agent locator tool and
- A list of free virtual and in-person Medicare presentations
People who need Medicare help in a language other than English, including sign language, can call 833-685-0841 or send an email to odhs.languageaccess@odhsoha.oregon.gov; after placing a request, a translator will reach out in the requestor’s preferred language to provide assistance in communicating with SHIBA.
About the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program
The Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program is part of the ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities. It is a statewide network of certified counselors volunteering in their community to help all Oregonians make educated Medicare decisions. SHIBA offers free, objective, confidential and local one-on-one health insurance counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
This project is supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $1,476,444 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.