Medicare Workshop Schedule
Most of us could use some help navigating through the red tape of the paperwork for benefits.
"The benefits are great-
if I could just get through the paperwork!"
Benefit Specialists are trained advocates who help persons over age 60 with public or private benefits. Benefit Specialists are often called
"Red Tape Cutters"
because they can help people understand and apply for benefits or represent them when benefits are denied.
Older adults can encounter a variety of problems accessing and receiving public or private benefits. The Benefit Specialist Program is designed to help them successfully navigate the maze of paperwork, eligibility requirements and bureaucracy that may exist for some benefits. The level of assistance needed depends upon the skills and abilities of the older adult and the complexity of the benefit issues that are identified. The Program has an attorney available to supervise program staff on more complex benefit issues through funding providing by the Southeastern Wisconsin Area Agency on Aging. Staff can provide legal information under the supervision of the attorney and the attorney can provide direct legal assistance in certain situations.
Benefit Information & Advice:
Some older adults are not aware of what benefits may be available to them or how to access them. Providing information about benefits and answering basic questions about how to access them is all the assistance some people need. Once they are more informed and aware, they are able to take the steps necessary to obtain benefits. If they are denied or need assistance in applying, staff can assist them.
Benefit Advocacy:
If an older adult needs more than basic information and further advice or advocacy is required, staff open a case file with data gathered through a formal intake process and offer to provide more intensive benefit assistance to address issues that have been identified. Benefit advocacy may include communication with benefit or service providers, representation during appeals, and legal assistance. All cases opened for benefit advocacy are reviewed with the supervising attorney on a bi-monthly basis.
Medicare Workshops:
Workshops designed to help older adults gain a better understanding of Medicare are offered on a monthly basis. The Benefit Assistant instructs people on terminology, regulations, the appeals process and tips on sorting paper work so that they will avoid potential problems, fraud and possibly resolve problems on their own.
Medicare Part D Assistance
Medicare Part D/Drug Insurance Assistance in Fall: The Medicare Part D Annual Election Period runs from November 15th-December 31st each year. This is when you can change, disenroll or enroll in Part D plans. The Kenosha County Elderly Benefit Specialist Program offers continued assistance to older adults and those who work with seniors in understanding Medicare Part D/Drug Insurance. Older adults who are currently on, or soon going on Medicare and have no other prescription drug insurance may want to learn about Part D/Drug Insurance.
Informational Medicare Part D Presentations/ Understanding Part D:
Sessions scheduled beginning mid September at various locations and times.
One-on-one assistance: For those who need help picking a plan. This consists of individual one on one assistance and web access to compare plans. Please bring a list of your current medications. Appointments are scheduled 10-15 minute increments.
Reservations Required: Please call the Aging & Disability Resource Center to make a reservation or appointment for these or any other benefit issues: - #605-6646 or #1-800-472-8008. The address is 8600 Sheridan Rd. Suite #500.
