Medicare resources: Wisconsin
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About Medicare in Wisconsin
Open enrollment begins again October 15
In 2011, 47,672,971 Americans were listed as Medicare beneficiaries. Of those receiving Medicare benefits, 918,344 were Wisconsin residents. That means that 15.9 percent of Wisconsin's population was enrolled in the health care safety net. Of those beneficiaries,
According to the most recent data (2004 figures), Medicare spending estimates Medicare spending in Wisconsin was 5,046 million dollars - or 1.7% of total U.S. Medicare spending. That spending was marked a 6.8% increase from 1995 (to 2004). The average spending per Wisconsin beneficiary was $6,198.
In 2011, 273,527 of Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. Figures from 2010 show that 303,591 Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries were enrolled in stand-alone prescription drug plans, while 303,591 were enrolled in Medicare Advantage Drug Plans.
How do WI elected officials vote on Medicare issues?
H.Con.Res.112: Ryan Budget Bill 2012
#151
HOUSE|SENATE
This bill would end Medicare as we know it, replacing it with a voucher system for seniors to buy health insurance coverage on the open market. Actuaries say the amount of the vouchers would not be enough for seniors to replace the coverage they would lose with the end of Medicare. [more]
How 'Obamacare' is already making Medicare stronger
Learn how health care reform is already improving Medicare. A federal summary of the changes reveals a long list of reforms intended to contain Medicare costs while increasing revenue, improving and streamlining delivery systems, and even increasing services to the program. So read how health reform is changing Medicare to work better for Wisconsin senior citizens.
How repeal would hurt Wisconsin seniors
The GOP's proposal to repeal President Obama's Affordable Care Act could wipe out critical consumer protections and cost savings for Wisconsin seniors, as well as their children and grandchildren. Read how repeal would hurt Wisconsin..
Where to get help with Medicare in Wisconsin
Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin
Options under Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin, including Medicare Advantage prescription plans; where to go for help, and complain form.
Medigap Helpline
This state-wide toll-free number provided by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care, can help you evaluate your Medicare supplemental insurance and clarify many other related, and sometimes confusing, issues
Wisconsin guide to health insurance for people with Medicare
This downloadable document provides a guide to Medicare in Wisconsin, including basic overviews of Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement policies, plus links to other programs like Wisconsin state health assistance insurance program, a glossary of terms and a Medicare Supplement policy checklist.
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
Links to resources for seniors including Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol (Advocate in cases of Medicare fraud); a prescription drug hotline, and legal services for citizens 60 and over.
Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol
Information on avoiding Medicare fraud and scams as well as information on Medicaid and social security.
Wisconsin Elderly Benefit Specialist Program
To find a benefits specialist in your area to help older adults with disabilities to understand and access Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, FoodShare, low-income housing and health insurance.
Wisconsin’s Prescription Drug Assistance Program
Prescription drug assistance for Wisconsin residents 65 years of age or older, including Medicare beneficiaries. Description of plan benefits, eligibility information and an application form.
Disability Benefit Specialist Program
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Disability Benefit Specialist Program answers questions and solves problems related to Medicare, Social Security, health insurance and other public and private benefits for people with disabilities.
Directory by county of Aging and Disability Resource Centers
Link to centers that provide information on local services and resources like in-home care, respite, senior and low-income housing, counseling on long-term care options, financial assistance with Medicare, Medicaid and other financial support, as well as help determining eligibility and enrolling. Medicare-funded programs, their benefits, assistance determining eligibility and enrolling.
Are You Missing Out on Benefits?
This flyer from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) offers a free benefits checkup to Wisconsin residents and referral to benefit and financial assistance information.
Medigap Helpline/SHIP
The Medigap Helpline is a free counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries, answering beneficiary questions. The site also offers information about Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), Medicare supplemental insurance, and other heath insurance information.
Medicare & your elected officials
medicarevotes.org
See how members of the Wisconsin Congressional delegation voted on Medicare.
The cost of repealing Obamacare
How Wisconsin would fare
Wisconsin could lose if important protections are undone.
