Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Right Around the Corner | Are You Prepared?

_{^{By Ingrid Kundinger, Wisconsin SMP Program Director}}

 It’s time to start thinking about Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period (OEP). Medicare’s OEP runs from October 15 to December 7, 2025, and is the time to review and make changes to your Medicare health or drug coverage. During this time, you can:

• Switch between Original Medicare and a Medicare Advantage Plan
• Join, drop, or switch a Part D prescription drug plan
• Review and update your current plan to better meet your needs

Changes that you make to your Medicare coverage will take effect on January 1, 2026. Even if you are satisfied with your current plan, coverage and costs can change each year. Comparing options could save you money or improve your benefits.

Here are 5 Simple to Help You Prepare:

1. Review your current coverage - Look at your current plan’s Annual Notice of Change. This outlines changes in coverage, costs, or provider networks for the coming year. If you are unsure whether your current plan will still meet your needs, it’s worth comparing.
2. Make a list of your current needs - Consider what changed this past year – new prescriptions, doctors, or health concerns. Your coverage should fit your current health situation, not just last year’s.
3. Compare plans in your area - Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to see what plans are available in your area. You can also contact an Elder Benefit Specialist in your area by calling the ADRC. These specialists can provide one-on-one support reviewing your Medicare options. This program offers free, confidential, and unbiased assistance – no sales, no pressure.
4. Be aware of costs beyond premiums - Look at deductibles, copayments, drug formularies, and network restrictions. Consider that the lowest monthly premium is not always the most affordable plan overall.
5. Enroll by December 7 - Avoid last-minute issues by giving yourself time to make decisions and get support.

Celebrating Caregivers | Honoring the Heart of Community

November is Caregiver Appreciation Month, a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the invaluable contributions of the individuals who selflessly care for loved ones in Racine County.

This special month shines a spotlight on the millions of family caregivers across the nation who dedicate their time, energy, and love to assist their aging or disabled family members. Whether it’s helping with daily tasks, providing emotional support, or navigating the oftencomplex health care system, caregivers are essential to the well-being of their loved ones.

Here in Racine County, we’re privileged to witness firsthand the tremendous effort and love our caregivers pour into their roles. These caregivers are often spouses, children, siblings, or friends, working tirelessly to ensure their loved ones live with dignity and comfort. The Impact of caregiving can be physically, emotionally, and financially taxing. Many caregivers balance their roles with jobs, family responsibilities, and their own health challenges. The work they do is demanding, but it is also profoundly rewarding. In Racine County, caregivers are the backbone of our aging and disability services, and we recognize that without their commitment, many would not have access to the care they need.

At the Aging and Disability Resource Center, we are dedicated to providing resources and support for caregivers throughout Racine County.

This includes:

Caregiver Education: We offer workshops, webinars, and one-on-one consultations to help caregivers navigate the complexities of caregiving, from understanding benefits and services to managing stress and maintaining a healthy balance.

Respite Care Services: We understand the need for caregivers to take time for themselves. Respite services allow caregivers to rest, recharge, and maintain their own wellbeing.

Support Groups: Our caregiver support groups provide a safe space for caregivers to connect with others who understand the challenges they face, share experiences, and offer advice.

Together, let’s recognize the heart and soul of caregiving and continue to support those who give so much of themselves to others. Thank you to all the caregivers in Racine County for your tireless dedication and love. You are truly appreciated.

For more information on how we can assist you as a caregiver, please call us at 262-833-8777.

Interview: A Caregiving Journey

We asked our caregiver questions about her experiences

^{(Note: some answers were combined for length and clarity)}

Q: Can you tell us about your caregiving journey?

I [Ingrid] was a caregiver for my husband who was diagnosed in 2014 with Parkinson’s disease. During the Covid pandemic in 2020, I noticed in increasing signs of Parkinson’s dementia. He declined so much that it was no longer safe to keep him at home.

Q: How did you first hear about the ADRC of Racine County and their caregiver support services?

I first heard about the ADRC from my counselor who knew that every county in Wisconsin has an ADRC.

Q: What specific services or programs have you used through the ADRC?

When my husband could no longer figure out his daily medication routine, I was made aware that resources were available for an automatic pill dispenser. I also was made aware of the caregiver support group and recieved the care of a specialist, which has been an enormous amount of support to me.

Q: In what ways have these services supported you as a caregiver — emotionally, practically, or otherwise?

The kind caregiver support specialists have always been willing to meet with me one on one when I was at loss in my caregiving role, and they supported me emotionally that way quite often. The practical support as far as finding tools and devices to help care for my husband at home were so helpful because I had no idea what all is available.

Q: Did any of the ADRC’s tools or guidance help you start thinking about the future or long-term planning?

Being in the caregiver support group helped me realize that I needed to start thinking what would happen once my husband declined further and what steps I needed to take to prepare for that.

Q: What does “planning for the future” mean to you as a caregiver?

Planning for the future meant for us that I needed to pivot a few times. Initially, I had hoped to care for my husband at home until that was no longer possible at all, but then he declined to a point where it was no longer safe to be at home and I had to start thinking about other living situations for him. The support of the ADRC to help me find ways to explore my options was always crucial.

Q: Can you share a time when having a care plan in place really helped you or your loved one?

When it came to a point of looking for help for Medicaid, the ADRC specialists in this area were extremely helpful to guide me through that very confusing path.

Q: Did you get help from ADRC with things like legal docuents, financial planning, or long-term care decisions?

I received help and preparing documents that needed to be sent to Medicaid and the explanations of what these things are and why they’re necessary.

Q: Have you had discussions with your loved one about their future wishes? How did ADRC support or prepare you for those conversations?

Unfortunately, my husband and I did not discuss long-term care because I thought we would be able to keep him at home. When it came time for him to need skilled nursing care, his dementia was such that it was difficult to explain to him why we needed to do this and emphasized over and over again that it was no longer safe for him to be at home.

Q: Have you ever faced a situation where your original plan didn’t work and you had to rely on a backup? What happened?

Our original plan was to care for David at home with the help of caregivers and we were hoping for in-home care through Medicaid. Unfortunately, it got to a point where David was constantly falling and no longer safe at home. The caregiver support group was always encouraging and supporting me in the very difficult decision-making of a placement elsewhere.

Q: Did ADRC help you think about or create a backup plan?

Whenever I was faced with the situation with something we were doing didn’t work anymore, for example the medication dispensing, the ADRC was so helpful in pointing me to places that could help and alternative solutions.

Q: What advice would you give to caregivers who haven’t started planning ahead yet?

Let the ADRC help you consider options that may not be on your radar yet, but it’s much better to think about it ahead of time and be somewhat prepared.

Q: How has future planning changed your caregiving experience - either emotionally or practically?

It just helped me emotionally be ready for the fact that things don’t always go the way I had thought and to be able to pivot and to look for support from the ADRC.

Q: Looking back, is there anything you wish you had known earlier in your caregiving journey?

I wish I had looked more into the progression of Parkinson’s disease, so I would have been able to consider any options that are out there in case his progression got worse rapidly. I also wish I had considered discussing this with him while he was not as far disabled from dementia.

Q: What would you say to someone who’s hesitant to contact the ADRC for help?

Contact the ADRC anytime you have any questions whatsoever; they’re always willing to help and can point you to resources that you never knew were there.

Kudos for Caregivers | Sign Up Today

Caregivers give so much of themselves every day - and now it’s time to give back to them. Kudos for Caregivers is a free community event happening on November 14, 2025, at Grace Church (3626 Hwy 31, Racine, WI). Check-in begins at 9:30 am, with the program running from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This special day is designed to honor and support caregivers by offering a well-deserved break and helpful tools for self-care. Attendees will enjoy inspiring keynote speakers who will motivate, educate, and celebrate the caregiving journey. Free health screenings will be available to help caregivers focus on their own well-being, and vendor tables will offer valuable information about local community resources. The event also includes complimentary snacks, lunch, and exciting giveaways.

For those needing support during the event, free on-site respite care will be provided - just be sure to sign up by November 5.

Everyone is welcome, especially caregivers. Come take a moment for yourself, connect with others, and leave feeling refreshed, supported, and appreciated.

Caregivers checklist for the Holidays

People who have experienced changes due to Alzheimer’s, stroke or other medical conditions may feel a great deal of loss during the holidays. Those who are caring for these loved ones may feel overwhelmed by trying to keep up holiday traditions while continuing to provide care.

Benefits | Important Numbers

Medicare Extra Help

Extra Help (also known as the Part D Low-Income Subsidy or LIS), is a program that helps people with limited income and resources pay for their Medicare prescription drug plan costs, including premiums, deductibles, and copayments.

Eligibility for Extra Help depends on income and resource limits, which are updated annually.

You can apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) at www.ssa.gov/extrahelp

Medicare Savings Program

The Medicare Savings Program can help pay the cost of your Medicare premiums. If you qualify, Medicare Savings Programs might also pay your Part A and Part B deductibles, coninsurance, and copayments.

You can apply online, by phone, in-person, or by mail. Learn more visit: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid/qmb.htm

You can also speak with the ADRC regarding these programs.

Looking for a Connections? | Caregiver Support Groups For caregivers who are 60 or older or are caring for someone 60 or older and caregivers (of any age) for people who have dementia. For registration, connect with Ruth at 262-833-8764 or email Ruth.Stauersbol@racinecounty.gov

IN PERSON

First Thursdays
Beginning Nov 6th, 2025
12:30 - 1:30 pm
Gypsy Java | 1700 N Main Street, Racine

Second Wednesdays
1:00 - 2:30 pm
Christ Church United Methodist | 5109 Washington Ave, Racine

Third Thursdays
6:00 - 7:30 pm
Christ Church United Methodist | 5109 Washington Ave, Racine

ZOOM AND CALL-IN

First Wednesdays
6:30 - 7:30 pm

Easy White Chicken Chili

1 cooked chicken breast (can use canned) Olive Oil to coat pan 1 clove minced garlic 16 oz low sodium chicken broth Small can of diced green chilies Spice blend to taste: Pepper, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Organo, Coriander 1 can low sodium Cannellini beans 3 Tbsp. low fat cream cheese 1/3 cup frozen or leftover sweet corn

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
2. Shred or dice chicken into bite size pieces.
3. Heat oil in a pot over medium-high heat.  Add onion & sauté for 4 minutes.  Add garlic & sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add broth, green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander and season with pepper to taste.  Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes.
5. Drain & rinse beans.  Transfer 1/3 of the beans with a small amount of broth from soup and mash until smooth. (can use a blender or food processor if desired)
6. Add cream cheese, corn, whole beans and mashed/pureed beans to soup.  Stir well.  Simmer 5-10 minutes longer.  Garnish as desired. 

My Meal, My Way Program | Serves Up Fellowship and Fund

Come Join Use!

The Racine County Senior Nutrition Program is partnered with Bruno’s Restaurant, at 730 Cornerstone Crossing, Waterford, for “My Meal, My Way,” a restaurant model congregate dining program.

The restaurant offers certain days and times that adults aged 60 and older can go and have a restaurant quality meal. Participants order from a specific menu that follows the nutritional guidelines for the program’s Meals on Wheels and traditional dining sites.

The program has now been running for almost 2 years, and has been a great success. Some participants bring friends from out of town, or their children or grandchildren (who would simply order off of Bruno’s regular menu!). Participants compliment the meals and the restaurant itself. Many participants attend the program multiple times per month.

The program continues to have steady attendance, usually with 40-60 participants per day. Around 10 of those participants each day are brand new to the program!

Please join us at Bruno’s on the first and third Wednesdays and second and fourth Fridays of each month, from 11:00am – 12:30pm! Reservations are not required. Suggested contribution is $4.00/meal, though eligible participants are welcome to join us for a meal even if they are unable to contribute.

Pathways to Support

Connecting

Below are some website resources for information or for connecting:

Racine County Behavioral Health Services

Walk in hour are Monday- Friday | 8 am to 5 pm at 1717 Taylor Ave in Racine or call the 24/7 crisis hotline at 262- 638-6741.

They offer Crisis counseling, comprehensive community services, substance use disorder services, and a short-term crisis center (SAIL).

Caregiver Opportunities | Memory Cafés

Memory Cafés are social gatherings that allow people experiencing memory loss and a loved one to connect, socialize and build new support networks.

1st Monday of each month | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Grace Church - 3626 Highway 31, Racine WI 53405 | For information contact 262-833-8777.

2nd Tuesday of each month | 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm | Yorkville United Methodist - 17645 Old Yorkville Rd, Union Grove | For information contact 262-833-8777.

2nd Friday of each month (Spanish & English) | 10:00 pm - 11:30 pm | Emaus Lutheran Church - 1925 Summit Ave., Racine WI 53404 | For information contact Lucy at 262-833-3777.

3rd Friday of each month | 10:00 am - 11:30 am | Burlington Aurora Wellness Center - 300 McCanna Pkwy, Burlington, WI 53105 | For information contact Chad at 262-212-3596.