SHIBA of San Juan County, WA

03/14/2026

SCAM ALERT!!

Social Security is warning the public about scam emails that falsely claim to provide access to Social Security statements. Clicking links in these emails can lead to identity theft, financial loss, or compromised personal information.

Official SSA emails come from addresses ending in “.gov.” Scam messages often look legitimate, using official language, logos, and formatting to trick you into clicking links or downloading attachments. These links may install malware or direct you to fake websites designed to steal personal and financial information.

To avoid these scams, don’t click on the links. Instead, go to your browser (Google,Edge, Safari, Chrome, Firefox or whatever you use) and enter www.ssa.gov to log into your Social Security account to view your documents.

Official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.

01/19/2026

Welcome to our two newest SHIBA volunteers! Siri Mehus on Lopez Island, and Neris Palunas on Orcas Island.

10/11/2024

SHIBA VOLUNTEER PEGI GROUNDWATER RECEIVES THE FIRST JOHN RUSSEL AWARD

09/09/2024

Your local SHIBA volunteers provide free, confidential assistance with applying for the Medicare Cost Savings Program. To schedule an appointment with a SHIBA volunteer, email [email protected] or call one of the following numbers:
Lopez Island: 404-259-6819
Orcas Island: 360-376-5892
San Juan Island: 360-375-0292

08/13/2024

Washington residents with monthly income below $1,752 ($2,731 for a couple) can save $2,000 or more per year. The income limits are even higher for people who are still working. Contact your local SHIBA volunteers for more information and for help applying.

06/20/2024

SHIBA volunteers can help you in many ways.

03/07/2024

3 TIPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM MEDICARE FRAUDS AND SCAMS:

If you get a call, text or email asking for your Medicare Number, don't respond. Don't give your Medicare card or Medicare Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it.

Check your Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) or claims statements carefully. If you see a charge for a service you didn't get or a product you didn't order, it may be fraud. If you suspect fraud, report it at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Guard your Medicare card like it's a credit card.

If you get a call, text, or email asking for your Medicare or personal information, shut it down. It could be a Medicare scam. The video shows three differen...

02/28/2024

HAPPENING TO ORCAS ISLANDERS RIGHT NOW!
***** MEDICARE SCAM ALERT!! *****
SCAMMERS BILLING MEDICARE FOR UNNEEDED URINARY CATHETERS.
We recommend you regularly check your Medicare statements to make sure Medicare wasn't billed for items or services you never requested or received.

CHECK YOUR STATEMENTS ALL THE WAY BACK TO JANUARY 2023. If you see a test, service or item on your Medicare statement you didn’t ask for or never received, give SHIBA, Washington state’s Senior Medicare Patrol, a call to report it at 800-562-6900.

02/21/2024

11/28/2023

If you haven't checked your plan for next year, don't despair. There are several walk-in counseling sessions, no appointment needed, coming up.
ORCAS ISLAND:
Thursday, November 30th from 1-4 at the Orcas Public Library
Thursday, December 7th from 1-4 at the Orcas Public Library
ON SAN JUAN ISLAND:
Saturday, December 2nd from 10-2 at the Joyce L. Sobel Family Resource Center in Friday Harbor

10/22/2023

The San Juan County SHIBA volunteers welcome some new counselors. Renee Koplan is now assisting clients on Lopez Island, Lori LeCount has joined our Friday Harbor team and Debra Nichols and Wade Zammit are now part of the Orcas Island group.

10/04/2023

IMPORTANT THINGS TO REMEMBER...