Elderly Benefit Specialist Program

Who We Are

As people age, they often need help from government benefit programs such as Medicare, Medical Assistance, Social Security, SSI, Food Share and others. But accessing those benefits can sometimes be difficult and confusing.

The Elderly Benefit Specialist Program is a federal and state mandated advocacy program designed to provide older adults with assistance. This includes educating about public and private benefit programs, screening Seniors to determine what benefits they are entitled to, helping Seniors apply for and secure benefits, and advocating with them to resolve problems with benefits/denials through an appeal process. These services are available to Eau Claire County residents regardless of income.

Elderly Benefit specialists receive in-depth, on-going training in the areas of benefit and entitlement programs, as well as other legal issues affecting older adults. An attorney provides supervision and support to the benefit specialist and works closely with them to ensure high-quality advocacy and representation for all Wisconsin residents.

What Types of Questions Can an Elderly Benefit Specialist Answer?  

• Will Medicare or Medical Assistance cover my nursing home stay?
• Is there help available to pay for food?
• Medicare denied my claim for a certain service or procedure. Is there anything that can be done?
• Why do I need a Medicare Supplement policy? Or a Medicare Advantage plan?
• What is the difference between Senior Care prescription drug coverage and Medicare prescription drug coverage?
• How do I know if I am eligible for Medical Assistance?
• Is there help available for my prescription drugs?
• Is there help available to pay the Medicare premium?

What can an Elderly Benefit Specialist help you with?

• Medicare, Part A, B,& D
• Medicare Supplemental Insurance/Medicare Advantage Plans
• Social Security benefit questions
• Medical Assistance (Forward Card)
• Housing Problems
• Food Share Program (Quest Card)
• Power of Attorney for Health Care/Advance Directives information
• Wisconsin Senior Care prescription drug program
• Medicare Savings Program - help paying for Medicare costs
• Extra help paying for prescription drug programs

Who is eligible for Elderly Benefit Specialist services?

Anyone 60 years of age or older (regardless of income) is eligible for the Elderly Benefit Specialist Program. We ask that you please call ahead for an appointment -  715-839-4735. 

What Does the Elderly Benefit Specialist service cost? 

There is no charge for this service. The program is supported with funds from the State of Wisconsin and the federal Older Americans Act. People assisted by the program are encouraged to make a donation toward the cost of the service. All donated funds will be used to expand these services.

For more information about this service in Eau Claire County or to schedule an appointment please call 715-839-4735 or toll free 1-888-338-4636 (tty: use Relay 711) and ask to speak to an Elderly Benefit Specialist. You can also email us at adrc@co.eau-claire.wi.us.



Become a Fan