Elder Benefits

Below, please find topic links to information and resources that you may find helpful.

This site was developed to put access to information and resources in one place in order to empower people to be as independent as they wish. Many programs have online applications/enrollments. The Sawyer County EBS is also available to provide information, assistance and support whenever you need, and can also help with most applications/enrollments.

Extra EBS offered services happening now:

Page Links for Your Convenience:



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About the EBS Program

Elder benefit specialists (EBS) help answer questions and solve problems related to Social Security, Medicare, health insurance and other public and private benefits for older adults. They serve people ages 60 and over. Services are free of charge. Similar services are available to younger adults with disabilities through a Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS).
Benefit Specialists can provide you with the information you’re looking for and connect you to the resources you need.
  • Provide accurate information about a wide variety of programs that cover healthcare, food, and other household expenses
  • Help you identify and apply for programs that will best meet your needs
  • Help with an appeal when eligibility or coverage is denied
  • Advocate on your behalf
Additional EBS Program Information:


Sawyer County EBS Contact Information

Hank Narus
Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North
NEW Location: 16096 US Hwy 63 in Hayward
Mailing Address: 10610 Main, Ste. 224
                           Hayward, WI 54843
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Direct Line: 715-934-0344 
ADRC-N: 1-866-663-3607 
Sawyer County: 715-634-4806
Email: hnarus@sawyerhs.hayward.wi.us  


Wisconsin Department of Health Service’s brochure EBS: The Red Tape Cutters- with Hank's contact info!


Helpful Links to Information

Below, please find topic links to information and resources that you may find helpful. This site was developed to put access to commonly asked information in one place in order to empower people to be as independent as they wish. Many programs have online applications/enrollments. 
The Sawyer County EBS is also available to provide information, assistance and support and can help with most applications/enrollments.



COVID-19 Resources



What You Should Know Before You Turn 65 

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Helpful information from GWAAR.org- The Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging:


 

Social Security Administration (SSA): https://www.ssa.gov/

Sawyer County residents are assigned to the Social Security Administration field office in Superior, WI 54880. 
Type in your Zip Code on their Office Locator page to get SSA- Superior's Contact info.

Disability Benefits

Information about Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Applying for Medicare Benefits

It is recommended to apply 2-3 months prior to when you would like the benefit to begin. Contact EBS for more info.

Applying for Retirement Benefits

It is recommended to apply 2-3 months prior to when you would like the benefit to begin.

SSA Resources

 


Medicare:  www.medicare.gov/

Medicare is the federal health insurance program for: People who are 65 or older; Certain younger people with disabilities and People with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant, sometimes called ESRD).  Note: Enrollment for Medicare Part A and Part B is completed through the Social Security Administration. The EBS can assist with A/B Enrollments, or you can use the handout: Enrolling in Medicare through the Social Security Administration.
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SHIP Medicare Minute August, 2022: Choosing Between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans
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Read the info to keep and complete and return the fillable and printable pdf Form if you'd like Sawyer County's EBS to run a Medicare PlanFinder comparison during Medicare's Open Enrollment Period for the top three most cost-effective Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D plans based on your current medications, which you can then review and use for decision making.  Deadline to return forms for possible EBS assistance is the Wednesday prior to Thanksgiving.

EBS's Open Enrollment PlanFinder Comparison Request Form and Info Packet: 2023

Additional assistance can be found at: Medicare, Marketplace and Social Security Administration Referral Resources for Wisconsin Residents

EBS' Favorite Links about Medicare Enrollment:

Medicare's Online Planfinders

Additional Links of Medicare Interest

Medicare Apps and Tools

Medicare's (Lifetime) Late Enrollment Penalty Information for:

Medicare & You Handbook

The Medicare & You Handbook is the definitive guide to Medicare. It's available online in different formats including: Pdf; Large Print; Ebook; Audiobook; & Braille; and can be requested in book form. Books can also be picked up at the ADRC (limited supply).

Programs that Can Assist with Medicare Costs:

Note: Medicare Savings Program recipients and/or Medicaid recipients are automatically eligible for Extra Help and auto-enrolled by Social Security into a Part D plan unless they choose their own plan to enroll in. 

Part D enrollment assistance is available from the EBS or with the Medicare’s Plan Finder.

Medicare Fraud- Info and Resources:

Resources re: Someone to Talk for Medicare Information and Assistance



Wisconsin Medicaid Resources


  • Medicare Savings Programs
    • Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
    • Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB & SLMB+)
    • Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) Program
  • Applications, renewals and changes can be completed by phone or online at: www.access.wisconsin.gov.
  • If you have applied for, or are already enrolled in, WI Medicaid, BadgerCare Plus, FoodShare, WI Shares Child Care Subsidy or Wisconsin Works, you can use the mobile app: MyACCESS to manage your benefits.

Additional Information for Wisconsin Medicaid:



Housing Resources

For general information about rental assistance, tenant/landlord rights, grants/loans for repairs, and assistance with completing applications, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North



Energy Assistance


Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP)
  • Sawyer County Energy Assistance: 715-634-4806
  • LCO Energy Assistance: 715-634-8934 x7474
For information about other energy resources, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North



FoodShare (SNAP)


For information about other nutritional programs and food resources, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North

 


Transportation


For information about other transportation resources, please contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North

 


Additional Links of Interest

Local Links:

Sawyer County:Additional Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Resources: 

For information about other resources serving Sawyer County,
please contact the
 Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North

If you have feedback about this webpage, please contact Sawyer County EBS. Thank you!