Medicare & You is a handbook created by the federal government to help you better understand what resources are available to you in the Medicare system.  

Medicare & You is available online in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese. Visit the Medicare website for a digital copy of this publication

Visit Medicare Website

Medicare also has large print, braille, eBook and audio additions available. The Dodge County ADRC currently has copies of Medicare & You 2024 in braille at our office.

Unfortunately, there are many bad actors out there that will attempt to take advantage of you as you are navigating the Medicare process. 

Guard your Medicare card and number like a credit card! Don’t share your number, laminate it, make copies, or let anyone else make a copy. If you need an official replacement card, you can print or order one at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

As Medicare Open Enrollment approaches, you may find that you are receiving more unsolicited calls and mail. You may have noticed an uptick in insurance commercials on your television and radio. Be aware of the rules that agents and brokers must follow. If you find that you have been mistreated, call the ADRC and request to speak to a benefits specialist 920-386-3580 or call Senior Medicare Patrol 888-818-2611. Both groups will provide you free and unbiased support. 

1. Your card has a Medicare Number that’s unique to you, instead of your Social Security Number. This helps to protect your identity. 
2. Your card is paper, which is easier for many providers to use and copy.
3. If you’re in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO or PPO), your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card is your main card for Medicare—you should still keep and use it whenever you need care. And, if you have a Medicare drug plan, be sure to keep that card as well.  Even if you use one of these other cards, you also may be asked to show your Medicare card, so keep it with you.
4. Only give your Medicare Number to doctors, pharmacists, other health care providers, your insurers, or people you trust to work with Medicare on your behalf.
5. If you forget your card, you, your doctor, or other health care provider may be able to look up your Medicare Number online.

If you need to replace your card because it’s damaged or lost, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also use your Medicare account to access your Medicare information anytime, add prescription drugs to help you find and compare health and drug plans in your area, and more. 

If you need to replace your card because you think that someone else is using your number, call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

Confused about your Medicare options?

Benefit Specialists offer monthly “Medicare Basics & Beyond” workshops for Dodge County residents. This workshop is for anyone that will soon be eligible for Medicare regardless of the reason for becoming eligible.

It may also be helpful to any Medicare beneficiary who has questions or concerns regarding complicated Medicare options and benefits. This casual workshop is a complete and comprehensive overview. Participants have an opportunity to ask questions throughout the class and can participate at the Henry Dodge building, 119 Cty Rd DF in Juneau.

Please call 920-386-3580 to register.

Upcoming 2025 Dates:

January 22 at 9 AM
February 11 at 1 PM
March 11 at 9 AM
April 21 at 4 PM
May 20 at 1 PM
June 26 at 9 AM
July 22 at 9 AM
August 18 at 1 PM
September 10 at 9 AM
October 13 at 3 PM

 “This project was supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services with financial assistance, in whole or in part, by grant number 90SAPG0091, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.”

“This project was supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services with financial assistance, in whole or in part, by grant numbers 2001WIMIDR, 2001WIMISH, and 2001WIMIAA, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects with government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official ACL policy.”

“Este proyecto fue apoyado por el Department of Health Services de Wisconsin con ayuda financiera, en parte o en su totalidad, por el número de subvención [MIPPA grant number], de la U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL), Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Se alienta a los concesionarios que realicen proyectos con patrocinio gubernamental a expresar libremente sus resultados y conclusiones. Por lo tanto, los puntos de vista y las opiniones no representan la política oficial de la ACL.” 

What Is Medicaid?

Wisconsin Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage, long-term care, and other services to residents of Wisconsin who qualify. There are multiple types of Medicaid programs. Each program has different eligibility requirements. Age, income, and assets are some of the factors considered. 

To see if you qualify for a Medicaid program, you can contact the ADRC to speak with a Benefit Specialist. 

Need to apply?

Your local benefit specialists can help you apply for all types of Medicaid. If you choose to apply on your own you can complete an application through ACCESS or contact the Capital Consortium.

A consortium is a group of county agencies that determine enrollment and ongoing case management. You can request services at any of the county agencies within your consortium. Dodge County is part of the Capital Consortium which includes Adams, Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Juneau, Richland, Sauk and Sheboygan counties.

Forward Health is the insurance card used in Wisconsin for all Medicaid programs.  
Contact Information: 
Phone: 1-888-794-5556
Fax: 1-855-293-1822

Additional Help and Resources can be found at The Centers For Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) website. 

http://www.cms.gov/

Fond du Lac Social Security Administration
Office: 888-717-1526
Fax: 833-950-3741

Waukesha Social Security Administration
Office: 866-220-7885
Fax: 833-597-0052

Portage Social Security Administration
Office: 888-875-1681
Fax: 833-950-2495

West Bend Social Security Administration
Office: 888-655-0843
Fax: 833-950-3065

Create your Online Social Security Account

A free and secure my Social Security account provides personalized tools for everyone, whether you receive benefits or not. You can use your account to request a replacement Social Security card, check the status of an application, estimate future benefits, or manage the benefits you already receive.

Comparing Social Security Programs: SSI, SSDI, and Retirement