Benefit Specialists
Who We Are
As people age, they often need help from government benefit programs such
as Medicare, Medical Assistance, Social Security, SSI, Food share,
the Community Options Program and others.
But accessing those benefits can sometimes be difficult and
confusing.
The Benefit Specialist Program is a federal and state mandated advocacy
program designed to provide older adults with assistance. This
includes educating about public and private benefit programs,
screening Seniors to determine what benefits they are entitled to,
helping Seniors apply for and secure benefits, and advocating with
them to resolve problems with benefits/denials through an appeal
process.
Benefit specialists receive in-depth, on-going training in the areas
of benefit and entitlement programs, as well as other legal issues
affecting older adults.
An attorney provides supervision and support to the benefit
specialist and works closely with them to ensure high-quality
advocacy and representation for all Wisconsin residents.
What Types of Questions Can a Benefit Specialist Answer?
·
Do I have to repay a Social Security or SSI
overpayment if it was not my fault?
·
Will Medicare or Medical Assistance cover my nursing
home stay?
·
How will I pay all of my medical bills?
·
I have been denied SSI or Social Security disability
benefits. What can I do
about it?
·
What programs are available to provide services to
help me remain in my home?
·
Medicare denied my claim for a certain service or
procedure. Can anything
be done?
·
Are there any new or recent changes in programs
available to me?
What can a benefit specialist help you with?
·
Medicare, Part A, B,& D
·
Medicare Supplemental Insurance/Medicare Health
Plans
·
Social Security
·
Medical Assistance
·
Homestead Tax Credit
·
Housing Problems
·
Food Share Program
·
Power of Attorney for Health Care/Advance Directives
·
Other Legal and Benefit Problems
Who is eligible for benefit specialist services?
Anyone 60 years of age or older is eligible for the Benefit Specialist
Program. We ask that you please call ahead for an appointment
- (715) 726-7777
What Does the Benefit Specialist Service cost?
The program is supported with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the
federal Older Americans Act.
There is no charge for the service, but people assisted by
the program are encouraged to make a donation toward the cost of the
service. All donated
funds will be used to expand these services.
Contact us for more
information on Elderly Benefits