Prepared by Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
More Information: oci.wi.gov/srissues.htm

Madison, WI—Understanding the different parts of Medicare, selecting a Medicare supplement insurance policy or weighing the benefits of long-term care insurance can be an exercise in frustration for senior citizens. There is a lot of information to consider and finding it can often be difficult.

The Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI) offers a centralized resource for senior citizens to use when planning their health care needs. Since its creation in 2000, OCI has seen a growing number of complex insurance issues directly affecting seniors. The Senior Issues Web page provides a wealth of information on Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, the Medicare Part D prescription drug program, and long-term care insurance, as well as other types of coverages important to seniors. With Money Smart WeekSM Wisconsin in full gear, OCI reminds consumers to look at this Web site when considering any of these programs or insurance products.

"We are proud to offer a comprehensive resource for senior citizens on our Web site," said Sean Dilweg, Commissioner of Insurance. "The Senior Issues Web site provides older Wisconsin citizens with important information to help them make the right choices about their insurance needs and to help them evaluate and compare insurance options, costs and companies to get the most from their insurance dollar."

The Senior Issues Web page also includes links to OCI consumer publications, consumer alerts, news articles, press releases and links to other agencies that provide guidance and assistance to senior citizens.

"It is important for senior citizens, family members and people who work with senior citizens to have access to as much information as possible." Dilweg said. "By logging onto the Senior Issues Web site at oci.wi.gov/srissues.htm they can learn more about the insurance products and options available to Wisconsin seniors."

Money Smart WeekSM Wisconsin was created by the Governor's Council on Financial Literacy which Governor Jim Doyle formed in 2006 to improve financial literacy in Wisconsin. The third-year campaign is modeled after similar promotions run by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago in the cities of Chicago and Detroit. It is envisioned as ongoing from year to year. Wisconsin's initiative has the support of the Federal Reserve Banks of both Chicago and Minneapolis.