Dear Friend,
I hope this finds you well. As the weather gets colder and the year winds down, I am sharing some important deadlines, winter resources, and sharing some of my recent work.
Upcoming Deadlines:
- The Medicare open enrollment DEADLINE is this SATURDAY DEC 7.
This time is an opportunity to compare plans, ensure your prescriptions are in a plan’s formulary, and make sure your doctors are in network, review a plan’s total cost, and more. You can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048) for open enrollment or visit Medicare.gov.
If you need financial help covering your prescriptions, you could apply to Extra Help, which is a program that helps pay for Part D premiums, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket expenses. If you make less than $22,000 a year, I encourage you to apply. Go to ssa.gov/extrahelp or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply today.
Both the 2024-2025 and 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are now open! The 2024-2025 FAFSA form had to be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on June 30, 2025. Any corrections or updates must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. CT on Sept. 14, 2025. Find out more and apply HERE.
Wisconsin Winter Resources
As the weather continues to get colder, it is important to take precautions. Being prepared ahead of cold weather can help you stay safe and healthy all winter. Remember to check on family members and friends who may be at-risk for injuries or illness, especially the elderly and those with certain medical conditions.
Find the Warming Center nearest to you.
Residents can call or text the 2-1-1 assistance line. During times of personal crisis or community disaster, the free, confidential helpline and online resource directory make it easy for residents of Southeastern Wisconsin to get connected to information and assistance. This also includes assistance with things like emergency housing, information on meal site and food pantries, and utility payment assistance.
Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) assists eligible households with their heating and electric bills. Find information and application forms HERE.
REMINDER: Wisconsin has a moratorium on turning off heat from November 1 - April 15.
If your heating is turned off or breaks down, you can call the City of Milwaukee Department of Neighborhood Services (DNS) at 414-286-2489.
Vaccines for COVID-19 and the Flu are FREE at Milwaukee Health Department clinics. Find LOCATIONS/HOURS HERE. Last patient registration will be accepted 15 minutes before the clinic closes; however, this is subject to change depending on clinic volume and capacity. For questions, please call (414) 286-8034.
In the News:
The Nation (Op-Ed): In Defense of Teachers and Public Education
Teaching is a calling that runs in my family. My mother and my aunt were public school teachers, as are two of my siblings and my daughter. I am a proud product of public schools, and, for me, education served as a great equalizer. I often call myself a “sociological miracle,” and the truth is, a high-quality public education and resources like the federal TRIO Programs helped me defy the odds to succeed in college and beyond. I have sought to pay it forward by investing in the programs that invested in me, serving as cochair of the congressional TRIO Caucus and championing initiatives to improve our education system.
Newsweek (Op-Ed): Congress Must Address America's Obesity Crisis
To ensure these medications and holistic treatment plans remain accessible to seniors who age into Medicare, we have introduced a tailored version of the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act (TROA) to specifically protect these new beneficiaries from losing their current access. This bill has momentum: it received strong bipartisan support in the House Ways and Means Committee, and it is our hope that the House will soon advance the bill in a full vote.
Forbes: Tax Bill Would Exempt Sex Abuse And Assault Settlements From IRS Taxes
“Right now, sexual abuse survivors who prevail in legal actions against their abusers must pay federal tax on monetary awards they receive unless they prove to the IRS they suffered physical harm. I am honored to partner with Representative Smucker to remove the burdensome and unfair requirement on survivors of sexual abuse and highlight our joint work during Domestic Violence Awareness Month,” Congresswoman Moore said.
I am wishing you and your loved ones a happy, healthy, and blessed holiday season.
Your Friend,
Gwen
