Common Terms, Acronyms, and Shorthands

Disability Benefits Specialist

Disability benefit specialists provide trusted and confidential advice to people with disabilities who are between the ages of 18 and 59.

Disability Determination Bureau

Organization through Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) that makes the medical decision for Wisconsin residents applying for disability benefits through Social Security and the State of Wisconsin.

Dean Insurance/HMO associated with St. Mary’s Hospital

The amount paid out of pocket by the policy holder before an insurance provider will pay any expenses.

Or Tax Dependent is a person who is supported financially by another. Some people who may be counted as dependents are minor children, individuals under 24 who are full-time students and individuals who receive more than half of their annual support from a relative. Claiming someone else as a tax dependent is done when an individual files taxes and is an individual choice. If someone could be claimed as a tax dependent, but they are not, that person is not considered a tax dependent.

Dean Health Plan

Health insurance provider serving Southern Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Department of Health Services

A governmental agency of the U.S. state of Wisconsin responsible for maintaining public health. It has primary responsibility for administering Medicaid and Medicare within the state.

The Social Security administration defines a disability as the inability to do any substantial gainful activity by reason of any medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months. 

Durable Medical Equipment

Reusable, doctor-prescribed medical apparatus designed for long-term home use, such as wheelchairs, oxygen tanks, hospital beds, and nebulizers.

Date of Service