ADRC) of Grant County is hosting a free educational presentation titled Medicare 101 to help residents navigate one of the most important health coverage programs for older adults and certain individuals with disabilities.

The session is scheduled for Friday, March 20, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. at the Grant County Community Services Building, located at 8820 Hwy 61/81/35 in Lancaster, Wisconsin. This in-person event offers a comprehensive overview of Medicare basics, making it an ideal opportunity for those seeking clear, unbiased information.

Who Should Attend?

The presentation is specifically designed for:

•  Individuals approaching age 65 who are becoming eligible for Medicare.

•  Current Medicare enrollees interested in deepening their understanding of their existing coverage options.

•  Family members, caregivers, or anyone assisting a loved one with Medicare-related decisions.

No prior knowledge is required, and the session emphasizes practical guidance to empower attendees in making informed choices about their health care coverage.

What the Presentation Will Cover

Led by ADRC staff, the Medicare 101 session will provide an accessible introduction to the core components of Medicare, including:

•  Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care (limited), hospice care, and some home health services. Most people qualify for premium-free Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years (40 quarters of coverage). For 2026, the inpatient hospital deductible is $1,736 per benefit period, with additional coinsurance for extended stays.

•  Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Helps pay for doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (such as screenings, vaccines, and annual wellness visits), durable medical equipment, and certain home health services. The standard monthly premium for 2026 is $202.90 for most beneficiaries, with an annual deductible of $283. Higher-income individuals may pay an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA) on top of the standard premium.

•  Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage): Offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, these plans bundle Parts A and B (and often Part D) into one plan. They may include additional benefits like vision, dental, or hearing coverage, but often require using in-network providers and can have different out-of-pocket costs. Some plans offer zero-premium options beyond the Part B premium.

•  Medicare Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): Provided through standalone plans or included in many Medicare Advantage plans, Part D helps cover outpatient prescription drugs. For 2026, beneficiaries benefit from a $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap on covered drugs (a key change from the Inflation Reduction Act), plus ongoing Medicare negotiations for lower prices on select high-cost medications. Plans vary in premiums, formularies, and pharmacy networks.

The presentation will also address important enrollment timelines to avoid penalties or coverage gaps:

•  Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): A 7-month window centered around the month you turn 65 (or become eligible due to disability). Enrolling during this time typically avoids late penalties.

•  General Enrollment Period: January 1–March 31 each year for those who missed their IEP, with coverage starting the following month (though late Part B enrollment incurs a permanent 10% penalty per full 12-month delay).

•  Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15–December 7 each year, allowing changes to Medicare Advantage or Part D plans for the following year (effective January 1).

•  Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Available in qualifying circumstances, such as losing employer group coverage or moving.

•  Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1–March 31 for those in Advantage plans to switch plans or return to Original Medicare.

Additional topics may include supplemental options like Medigap policies (which help cover Original Medicare gaps), potential low-income assistance programs (e.g., Extra Help for Part D), and how to compare plans using tools like Medicare.gov’s Plan Finder.

Event Details and Registration

Attendance is completely free, but registration is required to ensure adequate seating and materials.

To register, contact the Grant County ADRC:

•  Phone: 608-723-6113

•  Email: adrc@co.grant.wi.gov

Lori Reid, ADRC Director, encourages community members to take advantage of this no-cost resource. The event is authorized by Nate Dreckman, Grant County Administrator.

This educational initiative reflects the ADRC’s commitment to supporting residents in Southwest Wisconsin with aging and disability resources, including unbiased guidance on Medicare and related benefits. For more information about ADRC services or additional Medicare resources, visit medicare.gov or contact the local office directly.

By attending, participants can gain clarity on coverage choices, avoid common pitfalls like late enrollment penalties, and make decisions aligned with their health needs and budget in 2026 and beyond.

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