ADRC can help seniors with Medicare questions

Every day, more than 10,000 people in the U.S., become eligible for Medicare, and that trend is going to continue for another 15 years. In Chippewa County alone, there are over 11,000 Medicare beneficiaries.

“Overall people know that our population is aging, but that number still tends to have a shock factor,” said Chippewa County Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) manager Leslie Fijalkiewicz.

Medicare’s annual open enrollment period is a time for all people with Medicare and it begins Oct. 15.

“Every year, insurance companies can change their formulary (list of covered drugs) and other coverage details, which can make a significant difference in the cost of a person’s medications,” said Fijalkiewicz.

Fijalkiewicz says there is often a great deal of confusion about all the Medicare options, and finding objective information and assistance can be difficult. Medicare has created an online tool to help beneficiaries look at and review plan options.

“As you might imagine, this can be a problem for folks served approximately 170 people and had to turn away that many again, because of the department’s limited capacity.

“It never feels good to ‘ration’ our help in this manner,” said Fijalkiewicz, “but unfortunately, we only have Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, to assist, so we are trying to ensure that those who NEED our help, can get it.”

If someone asks elderly what they can do to help, now is a good time to take them up on their offer. Long distance caregivers can do this, as well.

To get started, the ADRC had created a step-by-step guide for the do-it-yourselfer, that can be found on their website at co.chippewa.wi.us.

Because of COVID-19, the ADRC office remains closed for in-person visits, but people are encouraged to call them at 715-726-7777. Information will then be sent to get the Medicare option process started.

“Again, even if you are satisfied with your current plan, everyone should check to make sure it is the best plan for 2021,” said Fijalkiewicz. “Drug coverage can change and so can your out-of-pocket costs.”

who do not use the computer,” said Fijalkiewicz, “and do not have family or friends available to assist.”

Fijalkiewicz knows the ADRC doesn’t have the capacity to help everyone on Medicare in Chippewa County.

Therefore, we are asking that people who know how to navigate the internet, or who have a friend or family member willing to help them, to please go that route,” she said.

Last year, the ADRC