Watch a Intro to Medicare video.
Did you know there are an estimated over 16,000 people in Chippewa County who have Medicare? Our two Benefit Specialists are highly trained State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors offering free, unbiased Medicare information. We offer monthly Medicare and You classes to serve more people upfront and provide materials and resources to empower themselves, and then offer individual appointments if people still need help with planning their Medicare journey, or for those experiencing complicated Medicare-related issues, such as appeals for denials, penalties, and more.
General Medicare Information
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people aged 65 or younger who have disability status through Social Security. Not to be confused with Medicaid, which is a state program that covers people with low income,. Some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid (but cannot have BadgerCare with Medicare).
When to Sign up
If you're approaching age 65 and not receiving Social Security benefits, you should contact Social Security about 3 months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare - even if you don't plan to retire at age 65. There are certain late enrollment penalties to avoid. We highly encourage everyone to attend our free Medicare and You class to make informed decisions about their Medicare coverage.
Cost of Medicare and Programs to Help
There are premiums for the different parts
of Medicare, and more premiums depending on the type of coverage and plan you select. There are some programs to help people with low income and low assets with the costs of premiums, copays, and deductibles. People who have full state Medicaid coverage or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive this assistance.
Other Medicare Information
Medicare Helplines
- ADRC (that's us): 715-726-7777
- 1-800-Medicare: 800-633-4227
- Medigap Helpline: 800-242-1060
- Part D Helpline: 855-677-2783