Insurance Commissioner Highlights Gov. Evers' Investment in
Medigap Helpline for Wisconsin Seniors
Madison, Wis. — Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable held a roundtable this morning with the Board on Aging and Long Term Care to highlight issues facing Wisconsin seniors who rely on Medicare and related health care programs. Governor Tony Evers proposed fully funding Medigap Helpline Services in his executive budget released last month. The funding allows the Helpline team to support Medicare beneficiaries with questions regarding their health insurance, Medicare Supplement Insurance, and long-term care insurance among other topics.
"Health insurance can be complicated, especially if you have multiple types of coverage," said Insurance Commissioner Mark Afable. "For the 1 million Wisconsin seniors who rely on Medicare, the Medigap Helpline provides important answers to navigate health care and long-term care coverage.
"I'm humbled by the work that the Helpline team does every day. The governor's investment in the Helpline is part of his larger initiative to ensure every Wisconsinite has access to affordable health care coverage."
"We're incredibly grateful that Gov. Evers will continue to fully fund the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care in his executive budget," said Board Executive Director Heather Bruemmer.
"The relationship we have with Office of the Commissioner of Insurance is vital to supporting the Medigap Helpline. Our Helpline team provides important assistance for Medicare beneficiaries with questions about everything from Supplemental coverage to long-term care. We want Wisconsinites to know that we are here for them."
Gov. Evers' proposed $3.6 million for the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care in FY 2020 and $3.7 million in FY 2021.
The Medigap Helpline Program provides information and assistance to aging and disabled consumers regarding all forms of government-sponsored and private health insurance. The helpline focuses on Medicare and related private insurance plans, notably Medicare Supplemental policies, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, Veterans Administration benefits and other health insurance options available to Medicare beneficiaries.
Created by the Legislature in 1870, Wisconsin's Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) was vested with broad powers to ensure that the insurance industry responsibly and adequately met the insurance needs of Wisconsin citizens. Today, OCI's mission is to lead the way in informing and protecting the public and responding to its insurance needs.