keyboard sticking?

I have had a problem with the keyboard sticking or repeating letters intermittently for several years, the left shift key finally broke off. I have had to use 2 finger force for at least a year to get the key to work. Apple Genius bar has told me that it will cost $478 for a new keyboard!!! Long story short, I read on Apple support for keyboards (after I returned home) that my Mac was eligible for a free fix. Why would they not tell me this? Has anyone else had this happen?