DCBS Media Release

May 19, 1998
For more information:
Addie Graham or Margaret Scott 1-800-722-4134

Seniors can get free help with health insurance claims

Oregon Medicare beneficiaries can get free help with their Medicare and private health insurance claims and questions thanks to volunteers trained by the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program.

Volunteers provide free insurance information, counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in the areas of Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, and Medicare managed care organizations (MCOs). Services include help with comparing policies, filing claims, and filing appeals. In addition, volunteers can refer seniors to appropriate state and federal agencies and provide consumer publications.

Assistance and publications also are available statewide by calling SHIBA's toll-free number, 1-800-722-4134. Seniors can order a brochure, Free Help with Medicare and Other Health Insurance, that describes SHIBA's services and provides a county-by-county list of organizations that sponsor SHIBA volunteers.

SHIBA, which is part of the Oregon Insurance Division, is funded by a grant from the Federal Health Care Financing Administration, as well as state sources.

SHIBA is looking for additional volunteers. Individuals interested in volunteering may call SHIBA at 1-800-722-4134 or write to: SHIBA, Department of Consumer & Business Services, Insurance Division, 350 Winter St. NE, Room 440-2, Salem, OR 97301-3883.