Over the past few months the Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, has resulted in far reaching and potentially long-lasting changes which may affect the lives of older adults and adults with disabilities. In the hope of keeping our community members healthy, and as a result of the National state of Emergency as well as the State of Wisconsin Public Health Emergency declaration, many public benefits have undergone significant changes. These changes affect numerous state and federal benefit programs. At the time of this article publication, we are continuing to receive updates on various programs and will not attempt to provide updates on all benefit programs. Instead, we will highlight ways that ADRC Benefit Specialists can be of assistance during these unprecedented times.
The Benefit Team consists of Disability Benefit Specialists (serves individuals with disabilities between the ages of eighteen and fifty-nine) as well as Elder Benefit Specialists (serves individuals sixty and older). The team is available to provide services to the caregivers of our customers as well.
The Benefit team specializes in a number of public benefit programs including, but not limited to, all types of Social Security, Senior Care, Medicare, and Medicaid programs. The team consists of trained staff who are experts at helping customers with the extensive and complicated paperwork that is often required for state and federal benefit programs. Here are just a few examples of how the benefit team can assist:
- Provide current information regarding benefits
- Explain eligibility for potential benefits
- Assist with appeals for denials and termination of benefits
- Provide advocacy
- Refer to an appropriate attorney when necessary
- Assist with understanding, organizing, and submitting paperwork
These services can be provided over the phone.
Please call the benefit team at (920) 448-4300 to discuss how we can help.
