The Elderly Benefit Specialist Program is a statewide county-based program through the Aging and Disability Resource Center designed to assist older adults (age 60 and older) needing help with benefit and assistance programs.

Free services available through the Elderly Benefit Specialist Program are:
- Assistance understanding health care options available for individuals going on Medicare and individuals currently on Medicare
- Assistance understanding options for prescription coverage, including Medicare Part D
- Assistance with Medicare questions, denials and the appeals process.
- Assistance with Social Security retirement benefits and Supplemental Security Income
- Referral to and assistance with the application process and appeals, if necessary, for Energy Assistance, SeniorCare, Medical Assistance, Food Share and Homestead Tax Credit Program
 

Department of Administration (DOA) Secretary Mike Huebsch announced earlier this week that Wisconsin could make it through for about three months if the federal government defaults on its commitment to our state. The gridlock in Washington over raising the debt ceiling continues, and Representative Severson has introduced a bill that would help the state prepare a contingency plan in the event of federal insolvency.

The legislation asks state agencies to design detailed plans that would describe how they would continue if federal funding was severely reduced due to federal insolvency. Meeting our financial obligations is vital to protecting Wisconsin’s economic recovery. Having a plan in place is the responsible thing to do.



 

Last week, Governor Walker signed Senate Bill 57, the repeal of Early Release. This legislation passed with bipartisan support, and ensures dangerous criminals will not be released back onto the streets before proper completion of their sentence.

Public safety is an issue that surpasses partisanship because it is important to each Wisconsinite. I want Wisconsin to be a safe place to live, travel to, work, and raise a family.