Medicare 2026

Medicare in Federal Way: SHIP counselors and local agents

If Medicare has your head spinning, you are not alone — and you do not have to figure it out by yourself. Federal Way residents have access to free, unbiased counseling through Washington's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), plus licensed local agents who can walk you through your options. Knowing the difference between the two — and when to use each — can save you time, stress, and costly mistakes.

What SHIP is and why it matters

SHIP stands for the State Health Insurance Assistance Program. In Washington, it goes by SHIBA — the Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors program, run through the Office of the Insurance Commissioner. SHIBA counselors are trained volunteers and staff who give free, confidential, one-on-one help with Medicare questions.

Here is the key point: SHIBA does not sell insurance. Counselors do not earn commissions and do not steer you toward any particular plan or carrier. Their job is to help you understand your choices so you can make your own decision.

You can reach SHIBA statewide at 1-800-562-6900 or find a local counselor at insurance.wa.gov/shiba.

When SHIBA is the right call

SHIBA is a good first stop if you:

• Are turning 65 and want to understand Parts A, B, C, and D before you enroll.
• Need to compare Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare without a sales pitch.
• Have questions about the Part D prescription drug benefit, including the new $2,100 out-of-pocket cap for 2026 and the $615 maximum deductible.
• Think you may qualify for help paying premiums through Extra Help or a Medicare Savings Program.
• Got a denial letter, a surprise bill, or a notice you do not understand.
• Want to know if you might be subject to an IRMAA surcharge (which begins above $109,000 in income for a single filer in 2026).

Appointments in the Federal Way and greater King County area can fill up during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct. 15 – Dec. 7), so call early if you know a change is coming.

What licensed agents and brokers do

Licensed insurance agents and brokers are also part of the local Medicare landscape. They are trained and appointed to sell specific plans, and they can actually enroll you — something SHIBA cannot do. Federal Way is in King County, where 49 Medicare Advantage plans are available for 2027 from 11 carriers, including Devoted Health, which is new to the county this year. That is a lot to sort through, and a good agent can help narrow it down based on your doctors, medications, and budget.

A few things to keep in mind when working with an agent:

• Agents are typically paid commissions by insurance carriers.
• Some agents are "captive," meaning they represent one carrier. Others are independent and represent several.
• Ask directly: Which carriers are you appointed with? An honest agent will tell you.
• You are never required to enroll on the spot. Take the paperwork home and think it over.

How to spot trustworthy help

Whether you go with SHIBA or a licensed agent, look for these signs:

• They ask about your situation — your doctors, your drug list, your budget — before recommending anything.
• They explain the difference between Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and Medicare Advantage without pressuring you.
• They mention the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan. 1 – March 31), which lets you switch or drop an Advantage plan if it is not working out.
• They do not promise specific savings or use scare tactics.
• They never ask for your Medicare number over the phone if you did not initiate the call.

If something feels off, hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE or SHIBA directly.

A quick word on Star Ratings

Medicare's Star Ratings are a tool CMS uses to measure plan quality, from 1 to 5 stars. They can be a useful data point, but they are not the whole story — a highly-rated plan may not cover your specific doctor or medication. Use the plan finder at medicare.gov/plan-compare to see how ratings and coverage line up for you personally.