Get ready now: Medicare open enrollment toolkit from WA Insurance Commissioner

Medicare open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, giving beneficiaries a crucial opportunity to review and change their plans. To help Washington residents prepare, the Office of the Insurance Commissioner has launched a free Medicare Open Enrollment Jumpstart Toolkit — a practical resource designed to simplify the process and reduce confusion and stress.

What the Jumpstart Toolkit includes

✅ A large envelope to organize all Medicare-related mail.

✅ A coverage “menu” to match your Medicare and health cards.

✅ A fill-in form to track changes in your current plan.

✅ Personalized scenarios to help you understand your options.

✅ Information on Extra Help programs to assist with Medicare costs.

What you should do now

1. Order your FREE Jumpstart Toolkit from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
2. Create a Medicare.gov account if you don’t already have one.
3. Gather all Medicare mail and keep it in the toolkit envelope.
4. Watch for your Annual Notice of Change letter from your current plan before Oct. 15.

Why it matters

Medicare plans can change yearly — costs, coverage, and providers may shift. Reviewing your plan ensures it still meets your needs and budget. The toolkit helps you stay organized and informed, whether you’re doing it alone or with a trusted friend or family member.

Visit the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner’s website to order your toolkit and start preparing today.

Free, unbiased help from SHIBA you can trust

Navigating Medicare can be overwhelming — but you don’t have to do it alone. Washington’s Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program, offered through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner (OIC), provides free, confidential, and unbiased assistance to help you make informed decisions.

What SHIBA offers

• One-on-one counseling from trained volunteers.
• Help by phone, online, or in person—whatever works best for you.
• Guidance on Medicare plans, including Part A, B, C, and D.
• Support with billing issues, appeals, and fraud prevention.
• Help creating or navigating your Medicare.gov account.

Why SHIBA is different

✅ No sales pressure — SHIBA volunteers don’t sell insurance.

✅ Trusted by the state — it’s part of the Washington OIC.

✅  Focused on your needs — no commissions or company agendas.

Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your plan during Open Enrollment, SHIBA is a reliable resource to help you understand your options and make confident choices.

To connect with SHIBA, visit the Washington state OIC website by clicking the link here.

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