Elder benefit specialists help older adults (ages 60+) understand, get, and keep public and private benefits, including health care and programs that help save money. Benefit specialists don’t sell anything and aren’t paid by any companies. They help you identify and apply for programs and health care that will best meet your needs.
Benefits Counseling
How benefit specialists can help older adults and adults with disabilities understand and apply for benefits
What do benefit specialists do?
Benefit specialists help older adults and people with disabilities understand, get, and keep public and private benefits, including health care, disability income, and programs that help save money. Benefit specialists are certified State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) counselors.
A benefit specialist can help you with:
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Health insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, SeniorCare, and other programs that help cover health care costs.
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Income, including Social Security Retirement and Disability, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and debt collection.
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Housing resources and utilities, including shutoffs, evictions, tenant rights, and financial assistance programs.
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Expenses, including FoodShare, internet, and phone bills.
Which benefit specialist is right for you?
Elder Benefit Specialist - Help people ages 60 and older
Disability Benefit Specialist - Help people with a disability ages 17 and a half to 59
Elder Benefit Specialists
Disability Benefit Specialists
"Welcome to Medicare" classes
We host ‘Welcome to Medicare’ classes on the second Wednesday of each month. Topics covered will be the basic parts of Medicare (A, B, C, D) and how they work. Information will be provided on how to enroll, available insurance options, and the drug coverage requirement. Lower income benefit programs will also be reviewed. It is suggested that you attend one class 2-3 months prior to starting Medicare.
Registration is required to attend this workshop.
ADRC's 'Welcome to Medicare' class:
Every Second Wednesday of Every Month
1:00pm (in person, at Human Services Center building, 514 Riverview Ave, Waukesha)
5:30pm (virtual)
"Introduction to Medicare" classes
These are free one hour “Introduction to Medicare” classes. Please register with the specific location you plan to attend.
Monday, June 8 at 10:30am
Waukesha Public Library (262-524-3682)
Monday, June 22 at 2:00pm
Brookfield Public Library (262-782-4140)
Tuesday, June 30 at 1:30pm
Elm Grove Public Library (262-782-6717)
Monday, July 13 at 10am
Menomonee Falls Public Library (262-532-8920)
Monday, July 20 at 1:00pm
Pewaukee Public Library (262-691-5670)
Thursday, August 13 at 11:00am
Hartland Public Library (262-367-3350)
Thursday, August 20 at 11:00am
Oconomowoc Public Library (262-569-2193)
Tuesday, August 25 at 2:00pm
Mukwonago Community Library (262-363-6411)
Benefit Program Resources:
Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP)
Medicaid (Title 19)
BadgerCare for under 65 years of age
SeniorCare (State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program)
Medicare Resources:
Learn how to create a MyMedicare Account
Learn how to create a Plan Finder Account
MedicareSavings Programs/Medicare Premium Assistance (QMB, SLMB, SLMB+)
Medigap/Supplemental Insurance Policies
Medicare Appeals
Other Resources:
FoodShare
Energy Assistance (WHEAP)
Social Security (such as Extra Help with prescriptions, Retirement, Disability)
Phone Discount (Safelink)
Housing (subsidized, landlord/tenant issues)
Homestead Tax Credit
Identity Theft
Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace plans
Legal Action Wisconsin
