Medicare Part D Assistance Now Available

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.