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PartnerCare
PartnerCare is a special program sponsored by the State Medical Society of Wisconsin and the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups that helps senior citizens get the medical care they need. Here are some common questions and answers about the program.
How does PartnerCare work?
Physicians who participate in PartnerCare agree to accept the Medicare-approved amount for services rendered to eligible senior citizens. The physician handles Medicare's complicated paperwork and Medicare pays the physician directly.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible for PartnerCare you must be 65 or older and your annual income must be at or below $19,154. You must also have Medicare Part B coverage. The income guideline is the same for individuals and couples.
How do I enroll?
If you are a Homestead recipient, you will receive a PartnerCare card in the mail and will be automatically enrolled in the program. If you are not eligible for Homestead or you need additional information, contact your county office on aging or ask your physician for the nearest registration site.
What information should I bring to the registration site to verify my income?
If you file a Wisconsin Homestead official tax form, bring a copy of your most recent return. If you do not file a Homestead tax form, you may present a copy of your most recent income tax form to verify your eligibility. Other acceptable documents include copies of your Social Security check or award letter, energy assistance letter, interest statements and pension checks. People at the registration site will assist you in applying for PartnerCare.
If I sign up for PartnerCare, will I have to pay any part of my medical bill?
PartnerCare enrollees, like all Medicare recipients, are responsible for the co-payment amount of 20% for each service and the annual deductible. Any services not covered by Medicare are also the responsibility of the patient.
If I sign up for PartnerCare, can I cancel my Medicare supplemental health insurance?
PartnerCare is not a substitute for Medicare supplemental insurance. You should discuss the details of your insurance plan with a benefit specialist at your county aging office, or with an insurance representative, or call the Board on Aging's Medigap hotline at 1/800/242-1060. It's a toll-free call.
How will I know if my physician accepts PartnerCare?
Contact your county office on aging for information on physicians who participate in the program. Or you may simply call your physician and ask if he or she accepts PartnerCare.
How will my physician know I am in PartnerCare?
After you enroll, you will receive a PartnerCare card, which you should carry with you. Just present this card when you see your physician and Medicare assignment will be accepted.
Should I enroll in PartnerCare if I receive Medicaid or belong to a Medicare HMO plan?
No. If you belong to either of these programs, your physician already accepts the approved amount as payment in full.
What should I do if my PartnerCare card is lost or stolen?
Report the loss to your county aging office, and a duplicate card will be issued to you.
How do I learn more about PartnerCare?
For more information and the registration site nearest you, contact your county office on aging (listed under Aging in the county government section of your telephone book). If you cannot find the phone number for that office, call your physician or the Board on Aging's toll-free Medigap hotline at 1/800/242-1060. In Milwaukee, call the Elderly Advocacy Project at 414/278-7722.
Value Plus Advocacy
CWAG's Value Plus consumer advocates are available to assist you with claim filing and other matters related to both Medicare and your Value Plus Medigap insurance. These advocates:
This valuable service is funded by Blue Cross but is under the direction and supervision of CWAG. If you have problems with claims-filing paperwork or do not understand Medicare or your Medicare supplement policy, CWAG's Value Plus consumer advocates can help you sort through the "red tape." CWAG provides a toll-free telephone number for you to call: 1/800/366-2990. Help is available between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
- serve as a liaison between CWAG and Blue Cross, to help ensure that your concerns and interests are heard and understood;
- act as your customer service and benefit specialists, to help you resolve any benefit and claim questions that may arise;
- conduct training and educational seminars at regularly scheduled meetings of CWAG-affiliated groups, to give you information on policy benefits, the Medigap hotline and Medicare assignment of benefits.
Last updated: August 23, 1997
By: Gail Schwersenska