Benefits

Benefit Specialists are trained and guided by attorneys who specialize in elder and disability law. They are often called "the red tape cutters", and their mission is to help people figure out what benefits they are entitled to and what they must do to receive them.

A Benefit Specialist is an advocate who can act on behalf of an individual with other parties involved. Many of the benefit issues faced by seniors and individuals with disabilities can be very complex. A phone conversation can often times be sufficient to provide information and guidance.

Below are two different kinds of benefit specialists at the Dodge County ADRC.

Disability Benefit Specialists

We help individuals between the ages of 18 and 59 who are encountering problems with private or government benefit programs.

Elder Benefit Specialists

We help individuals over the age of 60 who are encountering problems with private or government benefit programs.

What we can help with:

What we can help with:

Our specialists can help with the following:

Medicare A, B, C, and D
Senior Care
Supplemental Insurance
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Retirement
Medical Assistance/Medicaid
Extra Help with Prescription Drug Costs
Food Share
Homestead Tax Credit
Veteran's Benefits
Consumer Problems
Grievances
Appeals
Referrals to Legal Services
Housing and Utility
Benefits Checkup

Contact Us for help!

Location: Henry Dodge Office Building
199 County Road DF - 3rd Floor
Juneau, WI 53039

Phone: 920-386-3580
Fax: 920-386-4015
Email

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8 AM - 4:30 PM

Medicare Information

Medicare & You

Medicare & You is a handbook created by the federal government to help you better understand what resources are available to you in the Medicare system. Medicare & You is available online in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. Visit the Medicare website for a digital copy of this publication

Visit Medicare Website

The Dodge County ADRC currently has copies of Medicare & You in braille at our office.

Which Path Do I Choose?

Depending on your age, work status, disability or medical history, you have different options available to you through Medicare. The federal Medicare website has created a step-by-step process for individuals to review the actions they need to take to receive Medicare.

Choose Your Path

Don't be a Victim — Avoiding Medicare Fraud

Unfortunately, there are many bad actors out there that will attempt to take advantage of you as you are navigating the Medicare process.

Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number, laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy. If you need an official replacement card, you can print or order one at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, you may find that you are receiving more unsolicited calls and mail. You may have noticed an uptick in insurance commercials on your television and radio. Be aware of the rules that agents and brokers must follow. If you find that you have been mistreated, call the ADRC and request to speak to a benefits specialist 920-386-3580 or call Senior Medicare Patrol 888-818-2611. Both groups will provide you free and unbiased support.

Your Medicare Card

Your card has a Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This helps to protect your identity.
Your card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. And, if you have a Medicare drug plan, be sure to keep that card as well. Even if you use one of these other cards, you also may be asked to show your Medicare card, so keep it with you.
Only give your Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
If you forget your card, you, your doctor, or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

Need to replace your card?

If you need to replace your card because it’s damaged or lost, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also use your Medicare account to access your Medicare information anytime, add prescription drugs to help you find and compare health and drug plans in your area, and more.

If you need to replace your card because you think that someone else is using your number, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Medicare Classes

Confused about your Medicare options?

Benefit Specialists offer monthly “Medicare Basics & Beyond” workshops for Dodge County residents. This workshop is for anyone that will soon be eligible for Medicare regardless of the reason for becoming eligible.

It may also be helpful to any Medicare beneficiary who has questions or concerns regarding complicated Medicare options and benefits. This casual workshop is a complete and comprehensive overview. Participants have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the class and can participate at the Henry Dodge building, 199 County Rd DF in Juneau.

Please call 920-386-3580 to register.

Upcoming 2026 Dates:

January 15 at 9 AM
February 10 at 1 PM
March 10 at 1 PM
April 20 at 4 PM
May 21 at 9 AM
June 24 at 9 AM
July 20 at 1 PM
August 25 at 9 AM
September 9 at 9 AM
October 12 at 3 PM

Setting up a MyMedicare Account

Setting up a MyMedicare account gives you easy, secure access to your personal Medicare information anytime you need it. With an account, you can check your coverage, track claims, view your Medicare card, and manage your preferences all in one place. It’s a convenient way to stay informed and in control of your health care benefits.

Start your Account

Disclaimer

“This project was supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services with financial assistance, in whole or in part, by grant number 90SAPG0091, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.”

“This project was supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services with financial assistance, in whole or in part, by grant numbers 2001WIMIDR, 2001WIMISH, and 2001WIMIAA, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.”

“Este proyecto fue apoyado por el Department of Health Services de Wisconsin con ayuda financiera, en parte o en su totalidad, por el número de subvención [MIPPA grant number], de la U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Se alienta a los concesionarios que realicen proyectos con patrocinio gubernamental a expresar libremente sus resultados y conclusiones. Por lo tanto, los puntos de vista y las opiniones no representan la política oficial de la ACL.”

Medicaid Information

What is Medicaid?

Understanding the Difference Between Medicaid and Medicare

Medicaid and Medicare are both government-run programs that help people access health care, but they serve different groups and have different eligibility rules.

Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. In Wisconsin, Medicaid covers a wide range of services, including doctor visits, hospital stays, long-term care, and more. There are several types of Medicaid programs available, each with its own set of rules. Eligibility is based on factors such as age, income, and assets. For example, some programs may support older adults, people with disabilities, or families with young children. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) can connect you with a Benefit Specialist to help determine your options.

Medicare, on the other hand, is a federally run health insurance program primarily for people age 65 and older, regardless of income. It also covers some younger individuals with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease. Medicare has different parts that cover specific services, such as hospital care (Part A), medical services (Part B), and prescription drugs (Part D). Unlike Medicaid, Medicare typically requires enrollees to pay premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.

In short, Medicaid is based on financial need and serves people of all ages, while Medicare is based on age or disability and is not income-based. Some individuals may even qualify for both programs, which can provide broader coverage and help reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Wisconsin Medicaid Explained

Submitting an Application

What is the Capital Consortium?

Additional Resources

Social Security Information

Local Offices

Please do not send social security numbers or claims information over the Internet or email since it is not a secure environment. Those questions should be directed to SSA's toll free service at 1-800-772-1213 or toll free TDD service at 1-800-325-0778 from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m., business days.

Social Security Administration offices are open to the public, but if you need to make an in-person visit it is best to call ahead or even schedule an appointment.

Fond du Lac Social Security Administration
Office: 888-717-1526
Fax: 833-950-3741

Waukesha Social Security Administration
Office: 866-220-7885
Fax: 833-597-0052

Portage Social Security Administration
Office: 888-875-1681
Fax: 833-950-2495

West Bend Social Security Administration
Office: 888-655-0843
Fax: 833-950-3065

Accessing Social Security Online

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive.

Create your Online Social Security Account

Comparing Social Security Programs

Comparing Social Security Programs: SSI, SSDI, and Retirement

	SSI	SSDI	Retirement
Source of payments	General tax revenues.	Disability trust fund.	Social Security trust fund.
Minimum Initial Qualification Requirements	Must meet Social Security’s disability criteria and have limited income and resources.	Must meet Social Security’s disability criteria and have “insured” status from paying FICA taxes based on your earnings, or those of your spouse or your parents.	Work and pay Social Security taxes (FICA), you earn “credits” towards benefits. The number of credits to get benefits deepens on when you were born.
Health Insurance Coverage Provided	Medicaid. A jointly-funded, Federal-State health insurance program for people with limited income and resources. It covers certain children, and some or all of the aged, blind, and disabled in a state who are eligible to receive federally assisted income maintenance payments. Title XIX of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicaid. The law gives the states options regarding eligibility and types of services under Medicaid.	Medicare is health insurance plan for people who are age 65 or older. However, you can get Medicare any age if you have been entitled to Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months or you have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure). Coverage consists of hospital insurance (Part A), supplementary medical insurance (Part B), and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Voluntary prescription drug benefits (Part D) are also included. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicare.	Medicare is health insurance plan for people who are age 65 or older. However, you can get Medicare any age if you have been entitled to Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months or you have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure). Coverage consists of hospital insurance (Part A), supplementary medical insurance (Part B), and Medicare Advantage (Part C). Voluntary prescription drug benefits (Part D) are also included. Title XVIII of the Social Security Act authorizes Medicare.
How do we figure your monthly payment amount?	Payments are figured by starting with the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR). Subtract your countable income from the FBR and then add your state supplement, if any. We do not count all of the income you have. The income left after we make all the allowable deductions is “countable income”. There are other employment supports that can allow excluded income. The FBR is adjusted year based on the cost-of-living changes.	Your monthly payment is based on the worker’s lifetime average earnings covered by Social Security. The amount may be reduced if you receive Workers’ Compensation payments (including Black Lung payments) and/or public disability benefits, for example, certain state and civil service disability benefits. Other income or resources do not affect your payment amount. The monthly amount can be adjusted each year based on the cost-of-living. Payments can also be paid to dependents on your record, such as minor children.	Payments are based on how much you earned during your working career. Higher lifetime earnings results in higher benefits. If there were years you didn’t work or had low earnings, benefits may be lower than having steady work. The age when retiring also affects the benefit amount. If you retire at age 62, the earliest possible age, your benefit will be lower than if you wait. The full retirement age will depend on your birth year and are eligible for the full benefit amount you are entitled to. You can choose to keep working past your full retirement age, to increase your future benefits up to the age of 70.
Is a State Supplemental Payment provided?	Many states pay some people who receive SSI an additional amount called a “state supplement”. The amounts and qualifications vary per state.	There is no state supplemental payment with the SSDI program.	There is no state supplemental payment with the retirement program.

Logo Image

Logo Title

In This Section