Elder Benefits

Welcome to the Sawyer County Elder Benefit Specialist (EBS) Webpage

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, and can also help with most applications/enrollments.



Most Requested: PlanFinder Comparison Request Form and Info Packet
Complete and return this fillable and printable pdf form if you'd like Sawyer County's EBS to run a Medicare PlanFinder comparison for the top three most cost-effective Medicare Advantage Plans or Medicare Part D plans based on your current medications, which you can review and use for decision making.


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's EBS

Carol Martin
Aging and Disability Resource Center of the North
10610 Main., Ste. 224, Hayward, WI 54843
Email: cmartin@sawyerhs.hayward.wi.us
Phone: 1-866-663-3607 x205 or 715-638-3308
Fax: 715-634-3580
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8-11:30a and 12:30p-4p


Please note, although no face to face visits are being scheduled at this time due to the COVID-19 virus…
We are still here to help.
Please contact Carol for
information or assistance
with services/benefits.


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 

GWAAR What to Know When You Turn 65 image Opens in new windowHelpful 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 office in Superior, WI: 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.

Commonly Requested Resources about Medicare

Medicare Basics

Learn About Your Options: Medicare Health Plans, Advantage Plans and Medigap/Supplemental Policy Options

Prescription Coverage

Part D Prescription Option

Wisconsin SeniorCare Option

Medicare Apps and Tools

  • Medicare’s Phone App: What’s Covered
  • Care Compare- Medicare’s online tool to help you find & compare doctors, hospitals & other providers near you that accept Medicare.

Medicare & You Handbook

  • The Medicare & You 2020 Handbookis the definitive guide to Medicare.  The Handbook is available online in different formats including:
    • Pdf;
    • Large Print;
    • Ebook;
    • Audiobook; 
    • Braille; and
    • Can be requested in book form.
    • Note: Books can also be picked up locally at the ADRC.

Additional Medicare Resources

Programs that Can Assist with Medicare Costs


 


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 also be completed online at: www.access.wisconsin.gov

Additional Information for Wisconsin Medicaid:



Housing Resources

For general information about rental assistance, tenant/landlord rights, 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



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:LCO- Lac Courte Oreilles Tribal Resources: 

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