Kaiser has sent letters to its Medicare Advantage plan members telling them that their plans will not be available in 2020. But don’t despair! New Medicare Advantage plans are coming to the San Juan Islands. Premera will be offering two plans to island residents enrolled in Medicare. In addition, anyone who is currently enrolled with a Kaiser Advantage plan has the option to move into a Medicare Supplement plan and will be guaranteed eligibility because Kaiser is leaving.

SHIBA volunteers are ready to help island residents navigate the changes. There will be two public presentations to discuss the changes: One on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m. at the Orcas Library and at 1 p.m., Oct. 23 at the Orcas Senior Center. Please come to one of these free public presentations to learn more about your options for 2020.

This free presentation will be made by trained volunteers from the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program overseen by the Washington Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide free, unbiased and confidential counseling assistance on Orcas Island.

You can also call the local SHIBA office at 360-376-5892 to schedule a personal counseling session. Island Hospital has been the local sponsor of the SHIBA volunteers in San Juan County for over 25 years.