News

For information on DRW news, events, or press releases, please contact:
email media@drwi.org.

For information on DRW action alerts, public policy, or voting efforts, please contact:
Lisa Hassenstab at 608-308-2639 or lisah@drwi.org.

Medicare Minutes: Initial Medicare Enrollment

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The next entry in the “What You Need to Know About Medicare” series is now here! Learn more about the initial enrollment process with Ginger Rogers, our Medicare Part D Program coordinator at DRW. As you turn 65, there is an 7-month period for initial enrollment, which is the period of time a person can sign up for Medicare for the first time. Watch the video to understand why knowing this is important. View the…
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Register Now for the Welcome to Medicare Fair!

Registration for the Welcome to Medicare Fair, hosted by the SHIP Technical Assistance Center, is now open! Register for the event via the SHIPTA Center site here. Forms are available in both English and Spanish. The Welcome to Medicare Fair is a national fair for people turning 65, retiring, or joining Medicare because of a disability. Get trusted, unbiased Medicare education from the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) national network. There will be expert…
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DRW PAIMI Council: Invitation for Public Comment

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We want to hear from you about the Protection and Advocacy for Individuals with Mental Illness (PAIMI) program. The United States Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) and the Center of Mental Health Services (CMHS) periodically monitors the operation of the PAIMI program by the Protection and Advocacy system in each state. DRW is undergoing this monitoring on June 15-17, 2021. For a shareable flyer, view the Invitation for…
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Medicare Minutes: Medicare Savings Programs

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The Milwaukee SHIP Collaborative presents its next video in its Medicare Hot Topics series: Medicare Savings Programs. If you are looking for financial assistance with your Medicare premiums, Medicare Savings Programs can help you pay premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. Eligibility is based off the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2021. Read the video transcript here (accessible pdf). Watch the Medicare Savings Programs video on Youtube or below:
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Join Our Board of Directors!

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Disability Rights Wisconsin is seeking energetic and passionate people to join our Board of Directors. If you are committed to protecting the rights of people with disabilities through legal advocacy and public policy and share DRW’s dedication to disability rights, come share your skills and experience with us! Members of the Board engage in DRW’s long-term goal setting, help build community networks, and act as positive ambassadors to create a welcoming environment for individuals with…
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DRW Issues Statement Condemning Systemic Racism

A person holds up a sign saying "End the Violence against Asians" during a gathering.
DRW has issued a statement expressing unity with Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders.  We stand in solidarity against race-based violence and call for changes in systems that support it. Read DRW’s full statement here (accessible pdf).
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DRW encouraged by DHS’ reprioritized vaccine eligibility for people with chronic medical conditions

A black person receives a vaccine shot.
DRW expresses appreciation to the Department of Health Services for reprioritizing vaccine eligibility for people with chronic medical conditions, and for specifically naming those with intellectual disabilities.  This group will now be eligible for the vaccine on Monday, March 22 — one week before previously planned. Read DRW’s thank you letter to Secretary Timberlake here (accessible PDF). For more information on vaccine eligibility and other frequently asked questions, see the DHS COVID-19 page. For more…
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Watch Now: Wisconsin Health News “Reforming Emergency Detention” Panel

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Wisconsin Health News hosted a March 11th panel discussion named “A System in Crisis: Reforming Emergency Detention.”  Panel members, including DRW’s Kit Kerschensteiner, shared their perspective on the current crisis system and what needs to change. Watch the panel’s Facebook Live video here. Read Wisconsin Health News’ story on emergency detention here.
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DHS urged to prioritize people with chronic medical conditions next for COVID vaccines

A black person receives a vaccine shot.
Disability Rights Wisconsin has sent a letter to Interim Secretary Timberlake, urging the Wisconsin Department of Health Services to prioritize people with chronic medical conditions in the next group to receive COVID-19 vaccines.  DHS will be announcing the next priority group soon. Read DRW’s letter to Secretary Timberlake here (accessible PDF).
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Medicare Minutes: The Medicare Summary Notice

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The Milwaukee SHIP Collaborative presents its next video in its Medicare Hot Topics series: How to Read Your Medicare Summary Notice. The Medicare Summary Notice is a quarterly statement from Medicare, that outlines Medicare-covered services during that 3-months period. It is important to review this regularly to make sure that it is an accurate reflection of your Medicare covered services. View the video transcript here (accessible PDF). Watch the How to Read Your Medicare Summary…
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