Navigating Medicare and Medicaid can be daunting for consumers AND professionals.
Avisery is here to help guide smart decision-making.
We build the capacity of professionals to knowledgeably guide the health coverage decisions of older adults and adults with disabilities, work to lower barriers to accessing health benefits, and advocate for policies that expand affordable health insurance for these populations.
Avisery offers:
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Technical assistance for professionals, including expert guidance, skills for resolving coverage problems; and helpful go-to resources
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Training on Medicare and Medicaid designed for professionals with varying levels of experience
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Educational resources such as email alerts, tip sheets, resource documents, and other materials for professionals to stay up-to-date on the latest Medicare and Medicaid policy changes as they happen
Technical Assistance
Avisery provides support and expertise to professionals who work with older adults and adults with disabilities to navigate complex client situations that present barriers to accessing health benefits. Technical assistance requests can be emailed to avisery@ageoptions.org or by calling 708-628-3440.
Training
Avisery teaches professionals who work with older adults and adults with disabilities to:
- Understand the differences and costs of services provided under Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans and Medicare prescription drug coverage
- Determine eligibility for benefits under Medicare and Medicaid
- Maximize plan benefits to meet client/member/patient needs
- Navigate transitions in healthcare coverage as beneficiaries become eligible for Medicare and/or Medicaid
- And more!
Interactive Trainings
Avisery Training Specialists offer trainings for audiences with varying expertise. Beginning in 2023, Avisery plans to offer both virtual curriculum and in-person training. Our training calendar will be released in late Spring. Our trainings include:
- Medicare Counselor
- Medicaid Counselor
- Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI) and Medicaid Managed Care
- Medicaid Redeterminations
- Medicaid Spenddown
- Options for Duals
- And more!
Avisery by AgeOptions has received foundation grant support to offer our Counselor Trainings to nonprofit organizations at a discounted rate. Additionally, limited scholarships may be available for qualified community-based organizations. Contact us at avisery@ageoptions.org for more information.
Click here for access to recordings of Avisery Webinars!
Email Alerts and Other Resources
Scroll down for a wide variety of resources for professionals!
Avisery Alerts
Recent Avisery Alerts
3/13/2024: Additional Updates to HBIA and HBIS Program Co-Pays
3/11/2024: Register for Our Intro to Medicare Training (March 25th)
3/5/2024: Spring 2024 Training Calendar
2/28/2024: Insights to Advocacy Forum
2/2/2024: Release of Corrected Integrated Care “Glossary of Terms” Document
2/1/2024: Take Action to Help Keep Medicare Affordable
1/30/2024: New Resource Sheet for Understanding the Medicare Advantage and Medicare General Enrollment Periods
1/24/2024: January 2024 AgeOptions Chart of Benefits and Program Updates
1/18/2024: Updates on the HBIA and HBIS Programs
1/11/2024: New Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage Special Enrollment Period (SEP)
1/2/2024: SEP for Individuals Impacted by Emergencies or Disasters Available
Click here for an archive of 2023 Avisery Alerts.
- To be added to our email list, click “Contact Avisery” below.
New Resource! Avisery Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Consideration Checklist for the Open Enrollment Period
Designed for professionals who have not received formal training as Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselors, our Consideration Checklist may also serve as a useful desk aid for more experienced counselors.
Avisery Guide to Medicare and Medicaid Coverage for Hospital, Skilled Nursing Facility and Home Supportive Services in Illinois
Click here to access our reference guide for professionals in the community, discharge planners and other frontline staff to help beneficiaries understand hospital bills, coordinate home services, and advocate for access to covered benefits.
Avisery’s DHS Application Coversheet
Click Avisery DHS Application Coversheet to access a template that can be used when submitting documentation for Medicaid Spenddown cases. The coversheet will help alert the DHS caseworker as to how medical expenses should be applied to meet the applicant’s spenddown deductible.
AgeOptions Chart of Benefits
Click Chart of Benefits- January 2024 to access this popular desk aid. This chart is intended as as a resource tool for professionals to use when screening clients for benefit programs. The chart lists income, assets, and a quick overview of eligibility requirements for various public programs in Illinois including Medicaid, Medicare Savings Programs, Extra Help, the Benefits Access Program, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), LIHEAP, SNAP (Food Stamps), Access to Care, Community Spousal Impoverishment and other programs. Please note that this chart is designed for professionals and should not be altered or distributed to consumers.
Resources on the End of Medicaid Continuous Coverage
FAQ From Avisery Webinar: HFS Plans for the Medicaid Unwinding (as of 3/16/23)
3/3/23 Avisery Webinar Recording: HFS’ Plans for the Medicaid Unwinding (registration required to view recording)
External Resources Regarding the End of Continuous Medicaid Coverage
IL Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS):
IL Department of Human Services (DHS):
Resources on the Medicare Savings Programs
Coming soon!