SALEM — With open enrollment for Medicare, which began Oct. 15 and continues through Dec. 7, Oregonians are reminded that free assistance is available.

People can obtain information about Medicare options and benefits, receive enrollment guidance and gain Medicare fraud prevention tips. For help in navigating the process, call the Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance program at 800-722-4134 or visit www.SHIBA.Oregon.gov.

According to a press release from the Oregon Department of Human Services, as part of the state’s Office of Aging and People with Disabilities, the website includes the 2024 Oregon Guide to Medicare Insurance Plans. It is available in several languages.

Jane-ellen Weidanz, SHIBA deputy director of policy, said certified counselors can help people make informed decisions in choosing a plan, as well as learn the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. Also, she said counselors can provide tips on how to avoid Medicare scams or fraud, which are becoming more common via email, text messages social media and phone calls.

“Anyone who receives a message or email about Medicare from a number or person they do not recognize should not respond to it,” Weidanz said. Additional resources, she said, include the Medicare FAQ via rebrand.ly/u1deo72. Also, an agent locator tool can be accessed at rebrand.ly/ge164g8.

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley announced Oct. 26 that Oregon was awarded $40.2 million from the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help eligible households and tribes pay for energy bills and prevent

utility shut-offs.

“These federal funds will help Oregonians already struggling to make the choice between paying for utilities or food,” Wyden said. “Maintaining a warm home in cold weather is crucial, especially for households with young children, older adults and people with disabilities.”

Merkley said many Oregon families live paycheck-to-paycheck and struggle to pay monthly bills. “The assistance from the LIHEAP program will keep the homes of Oregonians warm this winter and help ease the financial burden of rising utility costs,” he said.

LIHEAP funding helps low-income households pay home heating and cooling bills, prevent energy shut-offs, restore services, make minor energy-related home repairs and weatherize homes to make them more energy efficient. Of the $40.2 million, LIHEAP is funding $38.4million to the state, with $639,111 going to tribes. More than $1.1 million comes from the U.S. Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.

“The LIHEAP program is absolutely critical for many low-income Warm Springs residents who face extremely hot summers and cold winters. We are deeply appreciative for this federal assistance for our tribal membership,” Jonathan Smith, Tribal Council chairman of the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon, said.

To apply, visit energyhelp.us or call the National Energy Assistance Referral hotline toll-free at 1-866-674-6327.