Idaho SHIBA

07/23/2025

Could Medicare’s Savings Programs Help You?

When Maria turned 65 and signed up for Medicare, she didn’t know she could get help paying for it. But with a little guidance, she learned she qualified for programs that helped her save thousands of dollars a year.

If your income is limited, you might qualify too.

💵 Help with monthly premiums
💊 Lower prescription drug costs
📘 Free, local guidance from SHIBA to help you apply

📞 Call SHIBA at 1-800-247-4422 to see if you qualify for Medicare Savings.
Learn more: https://doi.idaho.gov/2025_shiba-lis-brochure-english_v2

❤️ Know someone on Medicare who’s living on a tight budget? Share this with them.

07/15/2025

☀️ Beat the Heat — Summer Health Tips for Idaho Seniors 🧢💧
Hot days in Idaho are no joke — and if you’re older or have a chronic health condition, staying safe in the heat is extra important. SHIBA’s got your back with a few easy tips to help you stay cool and feel your best:

🥤 Drink up
Water is your best friend in the summer! Sip throughout the day, even if you’re not feeling thirsty.

🧴 Don’t forget sunscreen
Sunburn happens fast — especially on aging skin. Use SPF 30 or higher, toss on a wide-brim hat, and try to stay out of direct sun between 10 and 4.

🌡️ Watch for signs of heat trouble
Feeling dizzy, weak, or nauseous? That could be heat exhaustion. If someone’s skin is hot and dry or they seem confused, call 911 as it could be heat stroke.

❄️ Keep your cool
Use fans or AC if you have them. Or head to a cool place like the library or a senior center to take a break from the heat.

👟 Time your time outdoors
Get your walk or gardening in early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.

💊 Check your meds
Some meds can make it harder to stay cool or hydrated. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if yours might affect you in the heat.

👵👴 Know someone who needs to see this? Share it! Let’s look out for each other this summer. 💙

07/14/2025

Celebrating 60 years of the Older Americans Act advancing health and independence!

On July 14, 1965, the Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law, creating the first U.S. system providing home and community-based services to older adults. Sixty years later, the law remains a cornerstone of support for older Americans.

Did you know the Older Americans Act helps more than 14.6 million older adults stay independent and in their homes? That’s 1 in 6 older Americans benefiting from community-based OAA services. See how it makes a difference in just one year:https://acl.gov/sites/default/files/2025-07/oaa-annual-impact-graphic-acl.pdf

07/11/2025

Tips for Talking with Your Health Care Provider: Quality health care can keep you healthy and active. These tips can help you get the most out of your medical appointments.

Quality health care can keep you healthy and active. These tips can help you get the most out of your medical appointments. Watch for more information! Tip #...

07/10/2025

Join us in Pocatello at the Marshall Public Library for a Medicare Workshop on Monday, July 28th at 4PM.

07/09/2025

🧭 Navigating Medicare in Idaho? Meet SHIBA, Your Local Guide

Confused by Medicare options? Wondering if your current plan is still right for you? SHIBA is a free, trusted Medicare resource from the Idaho Department of Insurance — and we’re here to help, not sell.

Get unbiased, local support to understand your options, compare plans, and make the decisions that work best for you.

📞 Call us today at 1-800-247-4422
🔍 Learn more: doi.idaho.gov/shiba/about-shiba
✅ You don’t have to figure it out alone. Pass this on to someone who needs it!

07/09/2025

3 ways to manage pain from the National Council on Aging

If you’re living with chronic pain, you’re not alone. These three tips can help you manage your pain without medication. Watch for more information! Tip #1: ...

07/09/2025

A rise in text messages that may seem like they were sent to you in error are likely from scammers seeking to steal your money and personal information.

07/08/2025

Join us at the Meridian Senior Center next week, on Wednesday, July 16th.

Mailing List Donate Now Facebook Linkedin Youtube Community Events Stop by the LEARN booth at the LEARN Health & Resource Fair Program Upcoming 2025 Events Meridian Senior Center July 16 (Wednesday) 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM1920 N. Records Way Meridian, Idaho 83646 Avista Springs Garden August 13 (Wednes...

07/04/2025

Celebrating Independence Together

This 4th of July, SHIBA is proud to stand with Idahoans in honoring the freedoms we all cherish — including the freedom to make informed choices about your health care.

🎉 We’re honored to support Idaho seniors by helping them stay healthy and independent through trusted, local Medicare guidance. Always free, always unbiased.

Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. From all of us at SHIBA, happy Independence Day!

07/02/2025

From CMS:
"The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is notifying Medicare beneficiaries whose personal information may have been involved in a data incident affecting Medicare.gov accounts. CMS identified suspicious activity related to unauthorized creation of certain beneficiary online accounts using personal information obtained from unknown external sources. CMS takes this situation very seriously. The safeguarding and security of personally identifiable information is of the utmost importance to CMS. "

Click here to see the letter that is being mailed out and what action you can take to protect yourself.

https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-notifies-individuals-potentially-impacted-data-incident

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is notifying Medicare beneficiaries whose personal information may have been involved in a data incident affecting Medicare.gov accounts. CMS identified suspicious activity related to unauthorized creation of certain beneficiary online accounts usin...

06/26/2025

Being prepared for a natural disaster is crucial to protecting your safety and well-being. Visit Medicare.gov/emergency to learn how to get the care you may need if an emergency is declared and you have to evacuate to a safe area.

https://www.medicare.gov/emergency

Getting your prescription drugs during a disaster or emergency: You can move most prescriptions to another nearby in-network pharmacy, and back to your regular pharmacy when the emergency or disaster ends. Contact your Medicare drug plan if you need to use an out-of-network pharmacy.

Seeing a doctor during a disaster or emergency: If you have Original Medicare, you can always see any doctor who accepts Medicare. If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan, contact your health plan about making temporary changes, like using an out-of-network doctor during an emergency or disaster.

Learn more about accessing critical care (like cancer treatments or dialysis) or repairing or replacing equipment (like wheelchairs or walkers that were damaged or lost during a disaster or emergency).

Rules for getting health care may change for a short time if there is a disaster or emergency in your area.