FAQs

If you are already collecting Social Security, you will receive a Medicare card with an enrollment date for Medicare Part A and Part B, about 2 months prior to turning 65.  The enrollment date is the first of the month in which you turn 65.  If you have creditable coverage with your insurance at work or are covered by a spouse’s active employer group insurance, it may not be necessary to enroll in Part B.  It is recommended to contact your employer to see how Medicare effects your benefits.  If you are waiving Part B, follow the instructions on the back of the card and send it back to the assigned address.  Medicare will only pay 80% of your medical costs, so it is important to look at either a Medigap policy to cover the remaining 20%, or privatize your Medicare with an HMO or other Advantage Plan.

People on Low-Income Subsidy (LIS) may choose a different plan quarterly during the year.

Open enrollment is available from October 15 through December 7 of every year for everyone.  It is important to review your plan during open enrollment to determine whether you are still in the most cost-effective plan for the next year.  Plans are subject to change based on the marketplace and coverage needs.

If you are low-income, there may be some state assistance available.  Please contact the East Central IM Partnership at 1-888-256-4563.  For information regarding Marketplace Insurance, please call Covering Wisconsin at 1-877-942-6837 or go to www.coveringwi.org.  You can also contact any insurance agent for private plan information.

Information and Assistance Specialists at the ADRC of the Lakeshore are available to work with individuals and help them identify resources that could be brought into the home to help them maintain their health and well-being for as long as possible.  If the neglect is to the extreme and putting the person in danger of harming themselves, a referral should be made to Adult Protective Services in Kewaunee County at (920) 388-7030 or in Manitowoc County at 920-683-4230.

All persons aged 18 and older have the right to live in the least-restrictive environment that will keep them safe.  The Information and Assistance Specialists at the ADRC of the Lakeshore are able to discuss different options, including home modifications to make the home safer, adaptive medical equipment, home-delivered meals, home care services brought into the home, assisted living facilities, and nursing home care.

Individuals who need the equipment for short term may borrow the equipment from the various loan programs.  Please see more information on our Community Resources section of the website.  Individuals needing the equipment long term may be able to get the equipment through Medicare or their insurance.  A prescription from a physician may be required for insurance approval.

The ADRC has a “Senior Resource Directory of Northeast Wisconsin” booklet describing the different facilities available to the public. These free booklets are available for pick up at our Kewaunee and Manitowoc offices. For more information, contact us at 1-877-416-7083.

Please see our Transportation page of our website for transportation options.

Questions? Contact your county’s transportation department at:

Kewaunee County Transportation Department – (920) 388-0626 or (920) 255-7251.
Manitowoc County Mobility Manager – (920) 686-6977

Please contact the ADRC of the Lakeshore when your child reaches 17 years and 6 months of age to discuss options.

The Social Security Act defines disability as the presence of a physical and/or mental condition that is severe enough to prevent any substantial gainful activity (For the year 2024, that amount is $1,550 GROSS {before any deductions are taken off} per calendar month) and is expected to last at least 12 consecutive months or result in death.  Application for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be done either online or at the local Social Security office or with a Disability Benefit Specialist at the local ADRC.  A Disability Benefit Specialist at the local ADRC is also able to assist with gathering necessary information, completing paperwork, explaining benefits to you if your claim is approved, filing appeals if claim is denied, and much more.

An Advance Directive describes, in writing, your choices about the treatments you want or do not want or about how health care decisions should be made for you if you become incapacitated and cannot express your wishes. Anyone age 18 and older and of “sound mind” can make an Advance Directive. Directives are available online, here.

Please note: The ADRC of the Lakeshore cannot assist with completing these forms, however, we can direct you to others who may be able to.

Please see our Housing page for information on Subsidized Housing and Shelter options in Kewaunee and Manitowoc Counties.

Or contact Lakeshore Cap at (920) 682-3737 for information on Emergency Housing/Homeless Services.

For an overview of volunteer opportunities, please see our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Find something you are interested in? Contact the ADRC of the Lakeshore 1-877-416-7083 for the most current volunteer openings.