Submitted by Bethany Schneider, ADRC Elder Benefit Specialist
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that over 9 million older adults with lower incomes and resources are not enrolled in benefits that they would be eligible for. These benefits include the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or FoodShare in Wisconsin), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is a needs-based cash benefit for individuals who are disabled or over 65, and Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs), which help pay Medicare premiums and may help pay for Medicare deductibles and co-insurance. An interactive map developed by the NCOA and the Urban Institute should help states and community-based organizations identify where to focus enrollment efforts for the greatest impact. The data also show the following:
• SNAP: Almost 9 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled; only 30% of eligible older adults are enrolled
• SSI: More than 2.3 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled; 49% are enrolled
• MSP: Almost 5.8 million older adults are eligible for but not enrolled; 46% are enrolled
In Wisconsin, the SNAP program is called Foodshare. You may find out if you’re eligible and apply for FoodShare by contacting the income maintenance consortium for your county. https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/forwardhealth/imagency/index.htm
To apply for SSI, you must contact the Social Security Administration (SSA). SSA will determine if you are eligible and if so, how much of a benefit you will receive. You will also be eligible to receive Medicaid health coverage and an additional cash supplement from the State of Wisconsin. To find your local SSA field office, visit: https://www.ssa.gov/chicago/wisconsin.html
The Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) are Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB), Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB), and Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary Plus (SLMB+). QMB pays for your Medicare Part B premium (and your Part A premium if you are required to pay one), as well as the costs that Medicare leaves behind such as deductibles and copays. SLMB and SLMB+ help pay for your Part B premium only. Like with the FoodShare program, to find out if you are eligible for an MSP, you will want to contact the income maintenance consortium for your county. All levels of MSPs, also include Extra Help, which lowers the out of pocket cost of prescription drugs.
The income maintenance consortium for Dunn County is Great Rivers and they can be contacted at 1-888-283-0012.
The local Social Security office for Dunn County is in Eau Claire and they can be contacted at 1-866-815-2924.
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