Created by the Wisconsin Legislature in 1981, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care advocates for the interests of the state's long term care consumers and Medicare beneficiaries, informs those consumers of their rights, and educates the public at large about health care systems, Medicare and long term care.
The Board on Aging and Long Term Care is enabled by Wisconsin Statute at § 16.009, stats. This section incorporates, by reference, the federal Long Term Care Ombudsman Program statutes found in the Older Americans Act at 42 USC 3058(f) and 42 USC 3058(g) and codified in the Code of Federal Regulations at 45 CFR 1321 and 45 CFR 1324.
Our agency is given policy direction and oversight by a board consisting of seven members of the public, nominated by the Governor, and with the advice and consent of the State Senate, appointed under Wisconsin Statute at § 15.105(10), stats. Operational control is vested in an Executive Director.
To carry out our mandate, the Board operates three distinct programs:
The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program is Wisconsin’s version of a federally mandated program that provides trained, professional advocates who represent the interests of and speak for residents of long term care facilities. Ombudsmen respond to complaints lodged by or on behalf of these residents and advocate to protect their rights and welfare. Ombudsmen also serve as consultants and educators to providers and citizens on any number of specific issues, including resident rights; preventing abuse; and the state’s managed long term care programs, Family Care and IRIS. The Ombudsman Program serves individuals age 60 and older.
The Volunteer Ombudsman Program has been in existence since 1994. The Volunteer Ombudsman Program recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers who make unannounced weekly visits to long-term care communities. Volunteer Ombudsmen visits strengthen the advocacy services provided by Regional Ombudsmen for residents living in long-term care communities.
The Medigap Helpline Program is an insurance counseling service that provides information and counseling to callers who have questions relating to Medicare programs, Medicare Supplemental insurance, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, Medical Assistance programs, employer sponsored group health plans, and transitioning from the Marketplace coverage into Medicare.
The mission of the Board on Aging and Long Term Care is and always has been consumer focused.
Who We ServeThe Ombudsman Program advocates for the interests of residents of this state who are age 60 and older who reside in a long-term care home (nursing home or assisted living) or who are consumers of managed care (Family Care, PACE, Partnership) or IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) programs. The Volunteer program serves individuals age 60 and older who reside in nursing homes or assisted living communities. The Medigap Helpline and Part D Helpline provide free confidential counseling services for all Medicare beneficiaries, including individuals with disabilities and adults age 65 and older.
Guiding You to Aging Resources
No matter where you live in the Badger state, the Board on Aging and Long Term Care exists to help you understand your options regarding aging, long term care, Medicare, and prescription drug coverage.