Tigard-area seniors can get free, one-on-one help choosing a Medicare plan at the Tigard Senior Center starting Oct. 22.

Washington County Disability, Aging and Veteran Services (DAVS) is bringing trained volunteers to the center at 8815 SW Omara St. on six dates. Medicare open enrollment runs from Thursday, Oct. 15 through Monday, Dec. 7. Appointments are required.

Most Providence Medicare Advantage enrollees in Oregon face plan discontinuation for 2027 and will need to choose new coverage. Statewide, roughly 523,000 people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans as of September, The Oregonian reported.

Bobbie Hoke, DAVS program coordinator, said in a Sept. 28 announcement, "Based on the number of calls we've been receiving since August, we know there are a lot of people in our community looking for help this year … Medicare is complicated, and 2027 will see some significant Medicare Advantage plan changes."

Volunteers with the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance (SHIBA) program help people compare plans and, in some cases, apply on the spot. The service is free and unbiased.

Tigard Senior Center dates

All sessions run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

  • Thursday, Oct. 22
  • Thursday, Oct. 29
  • Thursday, Nov. 12
  • Thursday, Nov. 19
  • Wednesday, Nov. 25
  • Wednesday, Dec. 2

How to book

Call 503-846-3094 and leave a message with your name, phone number, city of residence and whether you need help in a language other than English. A volunteer will call back to confirm.

Other nearby options

The Juanita Pohl Center in Tualatin, 8513 SW Tualatin Rd., also offers SHIBA appointments on Fridays from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. during the enrollment period. Walk-in sessions are available at the DAVS office in Hillsboro and the Hillsboro Senior Center on a first-come, first-served basis.

No SHIBA sessions will be held Nov. 11, 26 or 27.

Free Medicare 101 classes are also offered virtually and in person across Washington County. A full schedule is available on the Oregon SHIBA program website.

Upcoming community dates

  • Thursday, Oct. 15: Medicare open enrollment begins
  • Thursday, Oct. 22: First SHIBA session at Tigard Senior Center, 11 a.m.
  • Monday, Dec. 7: Medicare open enrollment closes
  • Friday, Jan. 1, 2027: New plan coverage takes effect