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Vernon County ADRC specialist outlines Medicare basics, holds classes for residents turning 65
Summary
Katie, the Vernon County ADRC elder benefits specialist, briefed the committee on Medicare Parts A–D, Medigap versus Medicare Advantage choices, IRMAA, cost considerations and upcoming outreach classes; she said she served 384 clients last year with a reported financial impact of more than $5 million.
Katie, Vernon County’s elder benefits specialist at the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC), presented an in-depth overview of Medicare to the Human Services Committee and announced a schedule of outreach classes for residents approaching Medicare eligibility.
Katie described the four parts of Medicare (A for hospital, B for physician/office services, C as Medicare Advantage plans and D for prescription coverage), explained cost responsibilities and covered enrollment timing and special rules for people with employer coverage. She told the committee that Medicare Part B had a monthly premium of $185 for 2025 and an annual deductible of $257 (figures presented by the specialist). She explained IRMAA (income-related monthly adjustment amounts) and said higher-income thresholds apply for additional premiums — in the presentation Katie cited an income threshold in the low six figures for when IRMAA could apply.
The presentation distinguished Medigap supplemental plans (which allow use of providers nationwide and fill Medicare cost gaps) from Medicare Advantage plans (which often include dental, vision and hearing benefits but use a managed-care network). Katie described the county’s annual open-enrollment assistance work; she said the ADRC helps clients run prescriptions through the federal plan finder and evaluate cost and provider networks during the October 15–December 7 election period.
Why it matters: Medicare choices can create large out-of-pocket exposure because Original Medicare covers roughly 80 percent of approved charges; supplemental coverage decisions materially affect affordability and access. Katie said she served 384 clients in the prior year with a stated financial impact of more than $5,000,000.
Katie also noted she assists with related benefit programs (Medicaid/medical assistance, Medicare savings programs, Social Security enrollment for people 60–65, and appeals) and that some cases require attorney supervision for appeals or overpayment issues.
Ending: Katie listed a slate of Medicare classes running May through August and urged residents nearing eligibility to consult the ADRC at least six months before retirement to prepare for coverage decisions.
