SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)
Free Medicare counseling, Idaho Department of InsuranceBest for: Comparing plans, Medigap and help paying for drugs
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Step-by-step guide
Seniors & Medicare
Move your Medicare, get free advice and find local services
By J&H Digital Services LLCChecked Oct 23, 20269 sources
In short
If you have a Medicare Advantage or Part D drug plan, moving to Idaho opens a special window to pick a new plan: it runs for 2 full months after your move. Idaho's SHIBA program gives free, unbiased Medicare help at (800) 247-4422, and Area 3 Senior Services Agency connects you to meals, caregiver help and other services.
- Plan change after a move
- Up to 2full months after you move
- Free Medicare help
- SHIBA, (800) 247-4422
- Local aging agency
- Area 3 Senior Services, (208) 898-7060
- Property tax help
- Apply Jan. 1 to April 15 each year
How do I move my Medicare to Idaho?
- 1
Update your address with Social Security
Medicare uses your Social Security address. Change it online at ssa.gov or by phone.
- 2
Check your current plan
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) works anywhere in the U.S., so nothing changes. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are local, so your plan may not cover Idaho.
- 3
Pick a new plan within the window
If you move out of your plan's area, or your new address has new plan choices, you can join a new Medicare Advantage or drug plan, or go back to Original Medicare. The window runs 2 full months after the move. If you tell your plan before you move, it opens the month before. If you do nothing, you are put in Original Medicare when your old plan drops you.
- 4
Check doctors and hospitals
Some local plans are built around one of the two big systems, St. Luke's or Saint Alphonsus. Confirm your doctors and pharmacy are in network before you join.
- 5
Get a free second opinion
SHIBA is a free program of the Idaho Department of Insurance. It doesn't sell insurance or push a plan. Call for an appointment or join a free workshop.
Which Medicare dates should I know?
| Period | When | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial enrollment | 7 months around your 65th birthday | Sign up for Medicare |
| Open enrollment | Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 | Join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage and drug plans for Jan. 1 |
| Medicare Advantage open enrollment | Jan. 1 to March 31 | Switch Advantage plans or go back to Original Medicare |
| Moving | Up to 2 full months after the move | Pick a new Advantage or drug plan |
| Idaho Medigap birthday window | 63 days starting on your birthday, each year | Switch to a Medigap plan with equal or fewer benefits, with no health questions |
Source: Medicare.gov: Joining a plan
Where can seniors get local help?
Area 3 Senior Services Agency
Area agency on aging for Ada, Canyon and 8 other countiesBest for: Home-delivered meals, caregiver support, respite, rides and the long-term care ombudsman
More
- Hours
- Mon to Fri, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- One call connects you to most local senior programs
Dick Eardley Senior Center (Boise)
City senior centerBest for: Classes, lunch and social events
More
- Phone
- (208) 608-7580
- Hours
- Mon to Fri, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Income-based scholarships for ages 62 and up.
Other valley senior centers
Lunch and activitiesMore
Meridian (208) 888-5555, Eagle (208) 939-0475, Kuna (208) 922-9714, Star (208) 286-7943, Nampa (208) 459-0063, Caldwell (208) 459-0132. Many serve weekday lunch for adults 60+.
What else do people ask about Medicare and senior services?
How do I get meals delivered?
Call Area 3 Senior Services at (208) 898-7060. They run home-delivered meals for older adults who have trouble getting out, and weekday lunches at senior centers for adults 60+.
Can I get a break on property taxes?
Yes, if you own and live in your home and are 65+, widowed, blind or disabled, with 2026 income of $40,030 or less after medical costs. The 2027 benefit is $250 to $1,500. Apply Jan. 1 to April 15, 2027, through your county assessor or online. You must reapply every year. See our property tax guide.
Can I change my Medigap plan in Idaho?
Yes. Each year you get 63 days starting on your birthday to switch to a Medigap plan with the same or fewer benefits, from any company, without health questions.
Where do I look for senior housing?
See our senior living guide for 55+ communities, assisted living and how to compare them.
Was this page helpful?
Sources (9) · Checked Oct 23, 2026
- Medicare.gov: Special enrollment periods
- Medicare.gov: Joining a plan
- Idaho Department of Insurance: SHIBA
- Idaho Department of Insurance: Medicare Supplement rule changes
- Area 3 Senior Services Agency
- Idaho Commission on Aging: Area agencies
- Idaho Commission on Aging: Senior centers list (2024)
- City of Boise: Dick Eardley Senior Center
- Idaho State Tax Commission: Property tax reduction
Fees, rules and providers change. Confirm with the official source before you go.
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