As a convenience, the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) offers links to certain Web sites created and maintained by other public and/or private entities. OCI has no control over linked sites and cannot guarantee, or be held responsible for, materials found on any non-OCI site. A link to another Web site does not mean that OCI endorses that site.
Health Insurance
Issues on Aging
Long-Term Care
Medicaid
Medicare
Prescription Drug Assistance
Rating Services
SeniorCare
State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Assistance
If you have questions or complaints about:
Health Insurance
Board on Aging and Long Term Care (BOALTC) (longtermcare.state.wi.us/)
1-800-242-1060 Medigap Helpline
(608) 246-7001 Fax
This is a statewide toll-free number set up by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care and funded by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance to answer questions about health insurance and other health care benefits for the elderly. It has no connection with any insurance company.
Address:
Board on Aging and Long Term Care
1402 Pankratz St., Ste. 111
Madison, WI 53704-4001
Center for Patient Partnerships (patientpartnerships.org)
(608) 890-0321 Advocacy Services
(608) 265-6267 General Business
A small educational center at the University of Wisconsin-Madison dedicated to training future professionals in law, public affairs, pharmacy, social work, medicine, and other related disciplines about health care patient advocacy.
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) (oci.wi.gov)
1-800-236-8517 (Statewide) or (608) 266-0103 (In Madison)
711 TDD (ask for 608-266-3586)
OCI publishes several consumer guides to assist seniors in their shopping for insurance. The publications should be used only as a guide. These guides are not legal documents, and do not represent your rights under any insurance policy or government program. Your policy, contract, or federal or state laws establish your rights. Consult an attorney for legal guidance about your specific rights; legal assistance may also be available through your local office for the aging.
If you are having a problem with your insurance, you should first check with your agent or with the insurance company that sold you the policy. If you do not get satisfactory answers, you may file a complaint with OCI.
Mailing Address:
PO Box 7873
Madison, WI 53703-7873
Street Address:
125 South Webster Street
Madison, WI 53703-3474
Information on Alzheimer Programs (dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/Genage/alzfcgsp.htm)
(608) 266-2536
The Alzheimer's Family and Caregiver Support Program or AFCSP was created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1985 in response to the stress and service needs of families caring at home for someone with irreversible dementia. To be eligible, a person must have a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder, and be financially eligible. The program is coordinated by the Wisconsin Bureau of Aging and Long Term Care Resources, and is available in every county throughout the state.
Contact your county and tribal aging office (dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/contacts/COAGOF.HTM). In different counties, different agencies administer this program, but the aging office will refer you to the right agency if necessary.
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Issues on Aging
Administration on Aging (AOA)
(www.aoa.gov)
(312) 353-3141 Phone (Chicago Regional Office)
(312) 886-8533 Fax
The Administration on Aging is a federal agency that works in partnership with a network of state units on aging, area agencies on aging, and Native American tribal organizations to assist older persons to remain independent in their homes and communities.
Regional Office:
Jim Varpness
Regional Administrator
233 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 790
Chicago, IL 60601-5519
Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
(dhs.wisconsin.gov)
(608) 266-1865 General Number
(608) 267-7371 TTY Phone Number
An agency of state government, DHS administers a wide variety of programs and services designed to foster healthy, self-reliant individuals and families in Wisconsin. DHS oversees Medicaid, the implementation of long-term care, the regulation of state nursing homes, and numerous other programs that aid and protect the elderly citizens of the state.
Address:
1 W. Wilson Street
Madison, WI 53702
Information and Assistance
Every county and tribe has an aging unit to help older Wisconsin residents in locating services. Aging units are often referred to as "Commission on Aging," "Aging Resource Center," or "Department on Aging." They can be reached by phone, mail or visiting their office. For more information contact your county/tribal aging unit dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/contacts/COAGOF.HTM to learn about the services available in your area.
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Long-Term Care
Community Options Program (COP)
The Community Options Program provides community-based long-term care services if you have a limited income and assets, and would otherwise need to be in a nursing home. The Community Options Program offers a wide range of services including personal care, respite care, adult day care, transportation, and even necessary help with household chores.
For more information on eligibility for the Community Options Program contact your:
Information on services provided by the community options program:
Home Health Agencies
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/HHAs/HHAintro.htm)
Assisted Living Facilities
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/bqaconsumer/AssistedLiving/AsLivindex.htm)
Adult Day Care Programs
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/AdultDayCare/AdultDContax.htm)
Contact the Regional Office (dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Contacts/ALSreglmap.htm) for the county in which the program is located for complaints about an Adult Day Care program, information about starting an Adult Day Care program in Wisconsin and compliance history of an Adult Day Care program
Regional Area Agency on Aging
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/contacts/regaaas.htm)
(608) 267-7285
Your local Regional Area Agency on Aging is a good source of information for older people as well. Family Care
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/LTCare/INDEX.HTM)
Family Care is a long-term care program being piloted by the Department of Health Services in nine Wisconsin counties. As a comprehensive and flexible long-term care service system, Family Care strives to foster people's independence and quality of life, while recognizing the need for interdependence and support.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.asp)
1-800-LTC-FEDS (1-800-582-3337)
1-800-843-3557 TTY
Certified long-term care insurance consultants are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, Eastern Time, to help you in filling out your application or to answer questions about the program.
The Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (FLTCIP) is an important new benefit for over 20 million people who are eligible to apply for this insurance, including Federal and Postal employees and annuitants, members and retired members of the uniformed services, their qualified relatives and a few other eligible groups.
The U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) contracted with John Hancock and MetLife Insurance Company to provide the insurance. They formed a company called Long Term Care Partners, LLC (also known as LTCP), to administer the Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program (www.opm.gov/insure/ltc/index.asp).
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
(dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/BOALTC/LTCOMBUD.HTM)
1-800-815-0015 Ombudsman Program
(608) 246-7001 Fax
A service of the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, the long-term care ombudsman is an advocate for long-term care consumers who are aged 60 and over who reside in nursing homes, group homes or are participating in the Community Options Program.
Address:
Board on Aging and Long-Term Care
1402 Pankratz St., Ste. 111
Madison, WI 53704-4001
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Medicaid
Wisconsin Medicaid Program
1-800-362-3002 Recipient Services Hotline
People interested in applying for Wisconsin Medicaid benefits, please contact your county human or social services department or certifying tribal agency (dhs.wisconsin.gov/Medicaid) or call the Recipient Services Hotline. This Hotline is for recipients, recipient advocates and people interested in applying for Medicaid benefits only.
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Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) (http://www.cms.hhs.gov/default.asp?)
1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227)
1-866-226-1819 TTY
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is the federal agency that manages the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Each state has a Fiscal Intermediary and Medicare Carrier for the Original Medicare Plan. The Fiscal Intermediary pays Part A claims and can help you with questions about Part A bills and services, hospital care, skilled nursing care, fraud and abuse. The Medicare Carrier pays Part B claims and is your contact for information about Part B coverage, bills and medical services, as well as fraud and abuse.
Billing Medicare - Wisconsin Information
Fiscal Intermediary
Part A bills and services, hospital care, skilled nursing care, and fraud
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin
(d.b.a. United Government Services, LLC)
1-800-633-4227
Medicare Carrier
Part B bills and services
Wisconsin Physician Services
1-800-633-4227
Durable Medical Equipment Regional Carrier
Bills for durable medical equipment and a list of approved suppliers of this equipment
AdminaStar Federal, Inc.
1-800-633-4227
Social Security Administration (SSA) (www.ssa.gov/)
1-800-772-1213
7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
If you have a touch-tone phone, recorded information and services are available 24 hours a day, including weekends and holidays.
1-800-325-0778 TTY
7 a.m. - 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
The Social Security Administration is the federal agency that manages Social Security benefits, SSI and other programs.
Please have your Social Security number handy when you call.
Social Security Offices in Wisconsin (www.ssa.gov/) Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) (www.rrb.gov/default.asp)
Field offices (www.rrb.gov/field/field.asp)
Field offices are located throughout the country. Experienced field office staff handle all questions regarding regular and disability retirement benefits, Medicare, Social Security, tax issues, and sickness and unemployment benefits.
Each field office has a page with their address, phone number, fax number, secure message option, directions to the office and service schedules.
Wisconsin Field Office
U. S. Railroad Retirement Board
Henry S. Reuss Plaza
310 W Wisconsin Ave., Ste. 1300
Milwaukee, WI 53203-2211
(414) 297-3961 Phone
(414) 297-3833 Fax
Office Hours: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Monday through Friday except Federal Holidays.
Direct your question to the appropriate district office (www.rrb.gov/accessrrbgov/ZipLocator/zip_enter.asp). You will be prompted to enter your zip code. A link to your district office will be displayed.
The Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) administers retirement-survivor programs for the nations railroad workers and their families. Under the Social Security Act, the RRB has administrative responsibilities for certain benefit payments and railroad worker's Medicare coverage.
1-800-808-0772 Help-Line
You can call the RRB Help-Line to obtain automated information about unemployment and sickness benefits, request a letter showing your current monthly annuity rate or request a replacement Medicare card and more.
Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) (www.va.gov/)
1-800-827-1000 VA Benefits
The VA is a federal agency that provides information on VA programs, veteran's benefits and VA facilities worldwide.
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Prescription Drug Assistance
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (www.cwag.org)
1-800-366-2990
1-888-758-6047 TTY/Texnet
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG), a grassroots membership organization directed by older people, pursues justice and quality of life for people of all ages through legal and legislative advocacy, education and leadership development. The Elder Law Center is housed within CWAG and provides assistance with elder-related legal problems. The Elder Law Center is dedicated to ensuring that elders receive quality legal information and services irrespective of their ability to pay.
Madison Address:
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
2850 Dairy Dr., Suite 100
Madison, WI 53718
Milwaukee Address:
The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
2601 W. Howard Ave.
Milwaukee, WI 53221
Disability Rights Wisconsin (www.disabilityrightswi.org)
1-800-926-4862 Disability Drug Benefit Helpline (Medicare Part D)
Disability Rights Wisconsin's Part D helpline, the disability drug benefit helpline, is a reliable source of accurate information and assistance with:
- Choosing a Part D plan or deciding whether to enroll in Part D at all
- Changing plans
- Appeal procedures
- Billing problems
The helpline staff are also available to provide training and materials to help explain Medicare Part D.
Prescription Drug Resource Center Web Site (www.drugsavings.wi.gov/)
Wisconsin's prescription drug resource center Web site provides information that allows seniors to make informed choices when purchasing prescription drugs. The Web site makes available the ability to buy certain prescriptions at a lower price from pharmacies that have been visited by representatives of several state governors and found by inspection to be safe, reputable, and reliable. Wisconsin participated in this effort in order to make available more prescription drug purchasing options.
In addition, Wisconsin has facilitated access to a pharmacy benefits manager who works to acquire prescription drugs from Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance (www.pparx.org/)
1-888-477-2669
The Partnership for Prescription Assistance brings together America's pharmaceutical companies, doctors, patient advocacy organizations and civic groups to help low-income, uninsured patients get free or nearly free brand-name medicines. Through this site, the Partnership for Prescription Assistance offers a single point of access to more than 275 public and private patient assistance programs, including more than 150 programs offered by pharmaceutical companies.
SeniorCare (dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/index.htm)
1-800-657-2038 SeniorCare Customer Service Hotline
(TTY and translations services are available.)
SeniorCare is Wisconsin's Prescription Drug Assistance Program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older and who meet eligibility requirements.
If you think you are eligible, contact your local aging agency dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorCare/HowWhere.htm for more information. Wisconsin Prescription Drug Helpline for Medicare Beneficiaries
(www.cwag.org/legal/prescription-drug/)
The Wisconsin Prescription Drug Helpline is a toll-free information line that provides free counseling to all Wisconsin Medicare beneficiaries (regardless of age or income) on prescription drug coverage options in Wisconsin, including Medicare Part D.
Madison Office
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
2850 Dairy Drive, Suite 100
Madison, WI 53718
1-800-366-2990 (toll-free)
(608) 224-0607 Fax
cwag@cwag.org (e-mail)
Milwaukee Office
Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups
2601 West Howard Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53221
(414) 817-0030
cpangilinan@cwag.org (e-mail)
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Rating Services
Financial strength and being able to meet financial obligations to policyholders is very important. Independent rating organizations publish financial ratings of insurance companies. These rating organizations do not rate the quality of the company's policies, practices, agents, or service.
A.M. Best Company 908-439-2200
Rates insurance companies in terms of their financial stability. Their site describes their rating system and provides ratings online.
Fitch Ratings 1-800-89Fitch (1-800-893-4824)
Rates the claims paying ability of insurance companies. Their site includes an online ratings guide.
Moody's Investors Service 212-553-1653
Rates the financial strength or security of insurance companies. Their site describes their rating approach and includes insurance financial strength ratings.
Standard & Poor's 212-438-2400
Rates insurance companies. Their site includes online ratings and ratings definitions.
Weiss Ratings, Inc. 1-800-289-9222
Provides independent ratings of financial safety designed for consumers.
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SeniorCare (dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorcare/index.htm)
1-800-657-2038 SeniorCare Customer Service Hotline
(TTY and translations services are available.)
SeniorCare is Wisconsin's Prescription Drug Assistance Program for Wisconsin residents who are 65 years of age or older and who meet eligibility requirements.
If you think you are eligible, contact your local aging agency dhs.wisconsin.gov/seniorCare/HowWhere.htm for more information.
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State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) Information Assistance
1-800-242-1060 Medigap Helpline
The State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a free counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries that provides information regarding Medicare and Medigap insurance policies.
SHIP's Medigap Helpline can help you with questions about health insurance, primarily Medicare supplements, long-term care insurance, and other health care plans available to Medicare beneficiaries. The Medigap Helpline is provided by the State of Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long-Term Care at no cost to you. There is no connection with any insurance company.
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