Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Wisconsin. With more than 1.1 million Wisconsin beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Wisconsin. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
Wisconsin Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
Wisconsin Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Wisconsin
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Wisconsin?
Medicare covers most Wisconsin residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Wisconsin residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Wisconsin works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Wisconsin
The Wisconsin State Health Insurance Assistance Program provides free, unbiased information and enrollment assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their family members, and seniors who are nearing retirement. The SHIP program is federally funded and administered through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, and SHIP workshops, outreach services, and a statewide network of vetted SHIP volunteers primarily delivers one-on-one counseling. Most SHIP volunteers work out of regional aging and disability resource centers (ADRCs), and face-to-face Medicare counseling is usually conducted at these centers.
Contact: Call your local Area Agency on Aging. A list of the three Area Agencies on Aging is available on the Wisconsin Department of Health website.https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/offices/regaaas.htmThe Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) is a statewide organization that works to prevent, detect, and respond to Medicare fraud, billing errors, and issues with service delivery. SMP’s mission is to empower and assist Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers to prevent, detect, and report health care fraud, abuse, and errors through outreach, counseling, and education. SMP is in every county across Wisconsin. Volunteers play a vital role in carrying out this mission to be in every county across Wisconsin. Volunteer involvement ranges from distributing materials, staffing a booth at fairs and outreach events, to giving group presentations.
Contact: Call 1-888-818-2611The Wisconsin Chronic Disease Program (WCDP) is a state-funded program that offers assistance to Wisconsin residents with chronic renal disease, hemophilia, and adult cystic fibrosis. The WCDP is funded entirely by state dollars. The program pays health care providers for disease-related services and supplies provided to certified WCDP members after all other sources of payment have been exhausted. There are three parts to the WCDP — the Chronic Renal Disease Program, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Program, and Hemophilia Home Care Program. These programs cover specific treatments, tests, medications, and home supplies.
Contact: Call 800-362-3002The Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) regulates health insurance in the state. Medicare Advantage plan members who have a specific complaint about their insurance provider should first try to resolve the issue with the insurance company.
Contact: Call 608-266-0103 in Madison, statewide at 1-800-236-8517, or file a complaint through the OCI website.SeniorLAW provides free legal assistance to Milwaukee County residents who are 60 and older. Benefit specialists provide legal information and attorneys provide representation in appropriate court cases. All services are free of charge.
Contact: Call 855-947-2529The Aging and Disability Resource Center of Brown County offers a broad range of services from activities, events, and workshops for persons looking for new things to do and learn to assistance for persons meeting the challenges of aging and disability. Seniors aged 60 and older in Brown County who require durable medical equipment, such as walkers, wheelchairs, canes, or crutches, can try out various mobility devices for free through the Assistive Equipment Loan Closet.
Contact: Call 920-448-4300
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Wisconsin. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Wisconsin so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.