Medicare 2026

SHIP and licensed agents: Medicare help in Bend

BEND, Ore. — Sorting through Medicare choices can feel like a full-time job. Between mailers, TV ads, and phone calls, it's hard to know who's actually looking out for you. The good news for Bend residents: there are places you can turn for straightforward, unbiased answers — and one of them is completely free.

Free, Trusted Medicare Help Is Closer Than You Think

Whether you're new to Medicare, helping a parent, or reviewing your coverage during a busy enrollment window, here's where to start locally.

Start With SHIBA — Oregon's Free SHIP Program

Every state has a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). In Oregon, it's called SHIBA — the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program, run through the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services.

SHIBA counselors are trained volunteers who do not sell insurance and do not earn commissions. They can help you:

• Understand the differences between Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and Part D.
• Compare plans on Medicare.gov using your own drug list and preferred doctors.
• Check whether you qualify for programs like Extra Help or the Medicare Savings Program.
• Sort out billing questions, denials, or appeals.

To reach SHIBA, call 1-800-722-4134 or visit shiba.oregon.gov to find a local counselor serving Deschutes County. Appointments are often available by phone, video, or in person around Bend and Redmond.

When to Consider a Licensed Insurance Agent

SHIBA counselors won't recommend a specific plan — that isn't their role. If you want a human being to walk you through the actual plan options in Bend and help you enroll, a licensed Medicare insurance agent or broker can do that.

A few things to keep in mind before you sit down with an agent:

• Ask which carriers they're appointed with. An "independent" agent who works with several companies can show you a wider view than one who represents just one carrier.
• Agents are paid by the insurance company when you enroll. That doesn't make them biased, but it's fair to ask.
• A reputable agent will explain your options — including Original Medicare plus a Medigap policy — not just push Medicare Advantage.
• You can verify any Oregon agent's license through the Oregon Division of Financial Regulation at dfr.oregon.gov.

Some Bend-area readers cross-check what an agent tells them by also calling SHIBA. That's a smart, no-cost second opinion.

What's Available Around Bend

Bend is in Deschutes County, where 6 Medicare Advantage plans were offered for 2026, according to CMS Plan Finder data. Those plans came from one carrier offering MA-PD (Medicare Advantage with drug coverage) in the county. The 2027 lineup is in each plan's Annual Notice of Change and on Medicare.gov's Plan Finder.

Oregon has 8 stand-alone Part D plans for 2027, sold statewide, and if you have Original Medicare and want drug coverage, SHIBA or an agent can help you sort through them.

With more than 43,000 residents age 65 and older in Deschutes County, demand for good information is high — which is exactly why free, unbiased help matters.

Key Part D Numbers to Know

Whether you talk to SHIBA or an agent, these program-wide figures will come up:

• Part D out-of-pocket cap: $2,100 in 2026 and $2,400 in 2027.
• $615 — the maximum Part D deductible a plan can charge.
• The coverage gap ("donut hole") is gone as of 2025. Part D now has three phases.
• The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan lets you spread drug costs across the year with no interest.
• IRMAA income surcharges start above $109,000 for single filers in 2026.

Dates to Circle

• Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026: Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. Change your Advantage or Part D plan for 2027.
• Jan. 1 – March 31: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. If you're already in an Advantage plan, you get one switch (or a move back to Original Medicare).