SHIBA Health
Serving As An Advocate for Idaho's Medicare beneficiaries since 1986
We can help you put together the pieces of the senior health insurance puzzle! We will help you answer questions such as:
- How do I compare Medicare prescription drug plans?
- What is Medicare Advantage?
- What is Medigap?
- How can I help my parents with health insurance?
- I've been considering long-term care insurance, but is it a good option for me?
- I can't make sense of my Medicare statements and medical bills. What do I do next?
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) is part of a network of state health insurance assistance programs across the United States. In Idaho, SHIBA is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency which administers the Medicare program, and the Idaho Department of Insurance.
SHIBA is a part of the Department of Insurance, Consumer Affairs, which:
- Investigates claims and insurance fraud
- Provides advocacy services for consumers
- Provides assistance with insurance problems or questions on life, disability, long term care, property, casualty, and health insurance
We offer free and unbiased information, counseling, and assistance regarding senior health insurance. We do not sell insurance, recommend policies, agents, or specific companies. It is our goal to provide you with up-to-date and objective information to assist you in making informed buying decisions.
We are proud of our volunteers/advocates throughout Idaho who are trained on a regular basis to provide individual counseling to seniors and their caregivers. SHIBA has a strong community education and outreach component. Coordinators make educational presentations on Medicare and other senior health insurance issues to a variety of community groups. We disseminate information at hundreds of health and senior fairs throughout the State.
For senior health insurance information, counseling, and assistance or to discuss volunteer opportunities, call toll free within Idaho (1-800-247-4422) or contact a SHIBA volunteer near you:
Genii Hamilton, SHIBA Insurance Advisory
Specialist
700 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720-0043
(208) 334-4352, 1-800-247-4422
Tonya Steele, SHIBA Volunteer Services Coordinator
Heather Stotts, SHIBA Volunteer Services Coordinator
2005 Ironwood Parkway
Suite 143
Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814
(208) 666-6847, 1-800-488-5725
Karen Clark, SHIBA Volunteer Services
Coordinator
Colleen VanWinkle, SHIBA Volunteer Services Coordinator
700 West State Street
Boise, ID 83720-0043
(208) 334-4353(Karen), (208) 334-4278(Colleen), 1-800-247-4422
Tamara Stricker, SHIBA Volunteer Services
Coordinator
Nora Wells, SHIBA Volunteer Services Coordinator
1445 Filmore
Suite 1104
Twin Falls, ID 83301
(208) 736-4713, 1-800-488-5731
Susan Stricker, SHIBA Regional Coordinator
Krista Robinson, SHIBA Volunteer Services Coordinator
353 N. 4th Avenue
Pocatello, ID 83201
(208) 236-6044, 1-800-488-5764
Helpful Internet Links:
The Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare:
www.medicare.gov
Qualis Health(quality of care):
www.qualishealth.org
Prescription Assistance:
www.Rxassist.org
www.Needymeds.com
Veteran's Administration:
www.va.gov
Champus/TRICARE information:
www.tricare.osd.mil
COBRA information:
www.dol.gov