Elder Benefit Specialist

The Elder Benefit Specialist Program is a federal and state mandated advocacy program designed to provide older adults with free services.  Elder Benefit Specialists aid seniors in understanding and accessing government benefit programs.  They are continually trained and monitored by attorneys knowledgeable in elder law.

Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s Elder Benefit Specialist webpage

What services do Elder Benefit Specialists provide?

Elder Benefit Specialists (EBS) help answer questions and solve problems related to Social Security, Medicare, health insurance and other public benefits for older adults.

Eligibility:

Anyone 60 or older who needs assistance securing a public or private benefit.

Cost of services:

While services are free, we must give you the opportunity to donate to our program as a requirement of receiving funding through the Older Americans Act.

If you already receive Social Security Benefits such as Retirement, Disability (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare at age 65 or when you qualify with disability benefits.  To enroll on your own behalf, visit the Social Security website at: The United States Social Security Administration | SSA, call your local Social Security office for an appointment, or contact your Elder Benefit Specialist.

Welcome to Medicare | Medicare this website allows you to explore your Medicare options including comparing prescription drug, supplemental and advantage plans as well as research Medicare coverage.  

Helpful Instructional Videos:

How to Create Medicare Account: The following video will teach you how to create a Medicare account.

https://youtu.be/99dEvWHA0zQ

How to Use the Medicare Plan Finder: Created in October of 2022, the following video gives easy to follow ste-by-step instructions on how to use Medicare Plan Finder to find and compare plans in your area that meet your needs.  This is an Official Medicare video.

https://youtu.be/WWouFwIsf64

Medicare Links:

2024 Medicare Costs

Meet Medicare - AARP

Your Medicare Choices -- AARP

Mind the Coverage Gap - AARP

How Medicare works with other insurance | Medicare

Your guide to who pays first. (medicare.gov)

Social Security Retirement: If you qualify, you can begin to receive benefits as soon as the month you turn 62.  This is an important decision to make and Social Security encourages you to plan carefully before applying for benefits.  The following Social Security website has information on planning for retirement: Plan for retirement | SSA  

How to Apply: To enroll on your own behalf, visit the Social Security website at: The United States Social Security Administration | SSA, call your local Social Security office for an appointment, or contact your Elder Benefit Specialist.

2024 Social Security Cost of Living Increase: 3.2%