Navigating Medicare and Open Enrollment

About this episode

This episode discusses Medicare, Open Enrollment, and how SHIBA can assist individuals in navigating these topics.

Medicare can be confusing—whether you're approaching retirement, supporting a loved one, or navigating Open Enrollment. In this Caring for Caregivers Conversation, our state director Marguerite Ro sits down with Tim Smolen, Program Manager for SHIBA, the volunteer-powered program from Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner that offers free, unbiased Medicare guidance to Washington residents. What you'll learn: What Medicare is and how it works The best way & time to file for Medicare Why Open Enrollment matters Medicare or Medicare Advantage Common concerns and how to address them How SHIBA can help you make confident decisions

People in this episode

Host: Marguerite Ro

Guest: Tim Smolen

Topics covered

• Medicare
• Open Enrollment
• healthcare guidance
• retirement planning
• caregiver support

Keywords

• Medicare
• Open Enrollment
• healthcare
• SHIBA
• insurance guidance
• retirement
• caregivers

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: SHIBA, Washington's Office of the Insurance Commissioner, Medicare, Medicare Advantage

More episodes of AARP Washington State Podcast

• Fighting Fraud with AARP Expert Doug Shadel · April 30, 2026 · 32 min
• Gov. Bob Ferguson Live Tele-Town Hall · December 29, 2025 · 1h 4m
• Savvy Social Security - Maximizing Your Benefits · September 29, 2025 · 46 min
• Social Security and Family · July 15, 2025 · 43 min
• Social Security and Work Explained · June 26, 2025 · 50 min
• Our New Volunteer State President Ron Chew - Who He Is & His Vision For AARP · February 25, 2025 · 26 min