Watch a video intro to Medicare here.

Did you know there are an estimated 16,000+ people in Chippewa County that 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 & You classes to serve more people upfront and provide materials and resources to empower themselves, and then offering 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.

What is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65, or younger if they have disability status through Social Security. Not to be confused with Medicaid, which is a state-run program that covers people with low income, some people are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.

When do I sign up for Medicare?

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. 

What does Medicare cost?

There are premiums for the different "parts" of Medicare, and more premiums depending on the type of coverage/plan you select. There are some programs to help people with low-income and low assets with costs of premiums, copays, and deductibles. People who have full Medicaid (state) coverage or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will automatically receive this assistance. You can't have BadgerCare with Medicare.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) - Call Great Rivers Consortium 1-888-283-0012

Extra Help - Call Social Security 1-866-815-2924

Other Medicare Information:

• Medicare Annual Open Enrollment

• Advantage Plan (Part C) versus Supplement (Medigap)

• "Learn On My Own" Medicare PowerPoint and Videos (see below)
  Click here to open a PowerPoint and follow along with the YouTube videos (6 parts):
  Part 1  *  Part 2  *  Part 3 * Part 4 * Part 5 * Part 6

Medicare Helplines

• ADRC (that's us) 715-726-7777
• 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
• Medigap Helpline 1-800-242-1060
• Part D Helpline 1-855-677-2783