Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program

22/09/2026

Did you know? Oregon Wellness Network programs to help you stay active and prevent falls may be covered if you receive Medicare! Learn more:https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/licensing/apd/Documents/resources-staying-active.pdf

Fall is here! The change in seasons also marks National Falls Prevention Awareness Day. We want everyone to feel empowered to age well and live falls-free. The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities has put together a list of in-home fall prevention resources, as well as a list of community resources for staying active. You can find these lists on this web page under "Falls prevention:" https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/licensing/apd/pages/safety-initiatives.aspx

You can also learn about falls prevention resources in your area by calling the ADRC of Oregon at 855-ORE-ADRC (855-673-2372) or visiting https://ADRCofOregon.org

15/09/2026

Medicare open enrollment begins in one month - on Oct. 15, 2026!

How you can get ready for open enrollment:
- Review your plan’s annual notice of change to see if there are changes being made to your plan.
- Call your insurance carrier if you have questions about plan changes.
- Make sure your plan still meets your health needs and budget.
- If you like your plan, and it meets your needs, you do not need to take action during the annual enrollment period. Your plan will stay the same.

Our statewide network of Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA) certified counselors is ready to answer your Medicare questions throughout year and especially during the Medicare Open Enrollment period.

For more information visit https://SHIBA.oregon.gov or call 800-722-4134 (toll-free).

04/09/2026

You don't have a "Medicare file" that needs updating. If you get a call saying your Medicare file needs to be updated, hang up. Medicare isn’t asking for this; it’s a scam. If you did confirm or give out your Medicare number, report it to the SMP.

03/08/2026

Wildfire smoke is harmful, especially for children, pregnant people, and those with chronic medical conditions.

People at risk for severe smoke effects should try to stay indoors when the air quality reaches “unhealthy for sensitive groups,” and others when outdoor air quality reaches “unhealthy.”

Learn more and stay prepared:
• Monitor air quality in your area: oregonsmoke.org
• Protect your health during wildfires: healthoregon.org/wildfires
• Stay up to date on local emergency alerts: oralert.gov

And remember, to find clean air shelters near you during wildfire emergencies:
• Call 211
• Visit 211info.org and enter “Wildfire Related Clean Air Shelters”
• Text the area zip code to 898211 (TXT211)

02/08/2026

UPDATE: 211info hours are changing

ODHS and 211info are continuing to work together to monitor wildfire-related needs as they change.

Starting today, August 7, 2026, 211info will be available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pacific Time for help with wildfire and clean air-related information and support. These updated hours will be in effect through this weekend. We will provide another update on Monday, August 10.

The Wildfire Assistance Hotline (1-833-669-0554) will remain open 24/7.

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If you need wildfire information or support, we want to make sure you get help as quickly as possible. Part of that is knowing which phone numbers to call and when.

- Call 211: For evacuation updates, wildfire and clean air shelter information, livestock resources, reentry and preparedness. ODHS is currently working with 211info to extend their hours while there are many active wildfires. You can now call 211 for wildfire and clean air info and resources 24/7. We will update this post when normal hours resume.

- Call 1-833-669-0554: For help with ongoing and long-term needs caused by wildfire and smoke impacts.

- Call 911: If you are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency or need emergency help evacuating.

One more thing - If you want to find human services and general community resources not related to wildfires and clean air, please call 211 during standard operating hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). This will help make sure people who need wildfire and clean air support during evenings and weekends will be able to connect with help quickly.

30/07/2026

People anywhere in Oregon who have been affected by wildfires or wildfire-related air quality can call 1-833-669-0554 for support. The hotline is available 24/7 and is staffed by 211info.

Anyone experiencing any wildfire-related impact can call, including those who:
- Lost a home or property
- Evacuated and have ongoing needs
- Are sheltering in place and have wildfire-related needs
- Are affected by wildfire smoke or poor air quality
- Have another need or concern caused by a wildfire

There's also a web form that people can fill out with wildfire related needs. ODHS staff review the information and follow up. You can access the web form here: https://uniteus.com/networks/oregon/get-help/oregonwildfires/

One more thing - the hotline and web form should not be used for emergency evacuation assistance or locating immediate shelter. If you are in immediate danger, have a medical emergency, or need emergency help evacuating, call 911.

Learn more in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/statewide-hotline-available-for-oregonians-affected-by-wildfires-and-smoke

30/07/2026

15/06/2026

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. By learning the signs of abuse and speaking up when we experience, see or suspect it, we can all help prevent and stop elder abuse.

Warning signs of abuse include:
- Physical: Unexplained injuries or physical signs of punishment or restraint.
- Emotional: Anxiety, depression, or behavior changes.
- Neglect: Poor hygiene, bedsores, weight loss or unsafe living conditions.
- Abandonment: A dependent person left alone.
- Sexual: Withdrawal, distress or physical symptoms.
- Financial: Unexplained bank transactions, late bill payments or missing assets.

In Oregon, you can report abuse of an older adult by calling the Oregon SafeLine at 1-855-503-SAFE (1-855-503-7233). The SafeLine is available 24/7, though you may be asked to leave a message and will receive a return call. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or local law enforcement.

Learn more about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and how we can all make a difference in this news release: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-highlights-awareness-reporting-world-elder-abuse-awareness-day

05/06/2026

Happy 6/5! Most people become eligible for Medicare at 65 - which is why we celebrate Medicare Fraud Prevention Week the week of 6/5.

As a community, we can all participate in Medicare Fraud Prevention Week by looking out for our older neighbors and community members.

For example, be aware of older people purchasing gift cards in large amounts. If you see this, ask questions or mention gift card scams. Many people have helped stop a scam in its tracks by stepping in and asking questions.

And if you overhear someone talking about Medicare, don’t be afraid to offer information about the SMP National Resource Center and the Oregon Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance Program (SHIBA). We are ready to help Medicare beneficiaries, families, and caregivers!

To get free Medicare help in Oregon, visit https://shiba.oregon.gov

04/06/2026

Sharing silly moments with family is important. Sharing Medicare numbers with people who ask for it over the phone, through email, or at the door is risky.

If you have a family member or take care of someone over 65, talk to them about never sharing their Medicare number to unsolicited requests. This is likely a scam and could lead to medical identity theft. Talk to them about protecting their Medicare number like they would a bank account number.