Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with end-state renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant). Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. Some individuals eligible for Medicare may also be eligible to receive Medicaid.

Medicare has four parts: Part A, which is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care. Part B, which is medical insurance that helps pay for doctors’ services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital insurance. Part C, which is Medicare Advantage, formerly known as Medicare + Choice, are available in many areas - People with Medicare Parts A and B can choose to receive all of their health care services through one of these provider organizations under Part C. Part D, which is prescription drug coverage that helps pay for medications doctors prescribe for treatment.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program. However, the Social Security Administration determines entitlement to Medicare benefits and issues replacement Medicare cards.

The Medicare website can help answer questions you may have about Medicare coverage or services or you can call their toll free number at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227). If you are having a specific problem with Medicare that you cannot resolve and need assistance, information on how to open a case file can be found on my Casework Resolution web page.

I hope the following resources will be helpful to you in your search for information. If you have further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact my office.

Resources on this Page
Medicare Basic Resources
Medicare Eligibility
Medicare Card
Medicare Coverage/Services
Medicare Plan Choices
Prescription Drugs
Medicare Billing
Medicare Appeals
Preventative Care Services
Long-Term Care
Other Resources

Related Pages
Medicaid
Social Security


Medicare Basic Resources
Medicare Website
Helpful Contacts
How to Find Medicare Information
Medicare Publications
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
2007 Premiums and Coinsurance Rates
Medicare and You 2007 Handbook (PDF)


Medicare Eligibility
Requirements to Receive Medicare Benefits
Medicare Eligibility Tool


Medicare Card
About your Medicare Card
Replacing a Medicare Card
How to Report a Change of Address


Medicare Coverage/Services
Medicare Coverage Information
Medicare Participating Physician Directory
Medicare Supplier (Services/Products) Directory


Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Options Compare
What is Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)
Choosing a Medigap Policy
Medigap Toll-Free Helpline (Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services)
Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance – Senior Issues


Prescription Drugs
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage
Find a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Wisconsin Senior Care Prescription Drug Assistance Program


Medicare Billing
How to File a Claim
Claims Forms
Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)


Medicare Appeals
How to File an Appeal
Medicare Appeals Forms
Appeals of Local Coverage Determinations (LCD)


Preventative Care Services
Preventative Care Services Available with Medicare
Healthy Aging for Older Americans
NIH Senior Health
MedlinePlus Seniors’ Health Issues Resources


Long-Term Care
Medicare Long-Term Care Information
Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care
Types of Long-Term Care
Paying for Long-Term Care
Wisconsin Department of Health & Family Services Elderly Services
Wisconsin Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
MedlinePlus Nursing Homes Resources
MedlinePlus Assisted Care Resources
Medicare Home Health Compare
MedlinePlus HomeCare Services Resources
MedlinePlus Caregivers Resources
MedlinePlus Alzheimers Caregivers Resources


Other Resources
Administration on Aging
BenefitsCheckup
Eldercare Locator-Community Assistance for Seniors
FirstGov for Seniors
MedlinePlus Medicare
MedlinePlus Financial Assistance
Wisconsin Area Agencies on Aging