Contact 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. Visit the Medicare web site at Medicare.gov. Look at the most recent “Medicare & You” handbook. If you don’t have the most recent Handbook, you can download it on Medicare.gov or request a copy by calling
Full Answer
When should I sign up for Medicare?
Begin three months before you turn 65. It includes your birth month, and it ends three months after your birth month. If you want your benefits to start at the beginning of the month, you turn 65, be sure to sign up at least a month before your birthday. You can also enroll in Part D prescription coverage or a Medicare Advantage plan at this time.
How do I contact the Medicare office?
For questions about your claims or other personal Medicare information, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account , or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
What should I do if I get a call from Medicare?
If you get calls from someone claiming to be Medicare, get a name and phone number, and call Medicare to make a report. Scam calls tend to pick up in large numbers anytime something is happening with the Federal insurance program.
How do I get Started with Medicare?
How to Get Started with Medicare. 1 Enter Zipcode. Enter your zip code to pull plan options available in your area. 2 Compare Plans. 3 Get Quote.
How do I change my Medicare start date?
If changing your initial month of Part B coverage is possible in your case, you'll likely need to submit a new form CMS-40B (https://www.cms.gov/cms40b-application-enrollment-part-b) along with any required documentation. You should probably first contact Social Security to see what options are available to you.
Can you choose your Medicare start date?
Initial Enrollment Period Part C has its own enrollment period, called an "Initial Coverage Election Period." You can enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan starting three months before your Medicare Part B enrollment is due to take effect (this date can vary) up until three months after your 65th birthday.
How can I contact Medicare?
(800) 633-4227Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / Customer service
Can you backdate Medicare?
If you're eligible for premium-free Part A, you can enroll in Part A at any time after you're first eligible for Medicare. Your Part A coverage will go back (retroactively) 6 months from when you sign up (but no earlier than the first month you are eligible for Medicare).
Does Medicare coverage start the first day of the month you turn 65?
The date your coverage starts depends on which month you sign up during your Initial Enrollment Period. Coverage always starts on the first of the month. If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65.
Can you start Medicare in the middle of the month?
Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). You can enroll in Medicare at anytime during this seven-month period, which includes the three months before, the month of, and the three months following your 65th birthday. The date when your Medicare coverage begins depends on when you sign up.
How do I contact Medicare about a question?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE For questions about your claims or other personal Medicare information, log into (or create) your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Does Medicare have a chat line?
Medicare.gov Live Chat is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. All fields required unless marked optional.
Can you call Medicare anytime?
The Medicare general enquiries line is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Tags: Medicare.
How far back can Medicare payments go?
12 monthsMedicare claims must be filed no later than 12 months (or 1 full calendar year) after the date when the services were provided. If a claim isn't filed within this time limit, Medicare can't pay its share.
Why does Medicare backdate coverage?
Beginning in 1983, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) started backdating Medicare coverage retroactively for six months to ensure that people coming off employer-sponsored health coverage would not inadvertently find themselves uninsured while transitioning to Medicare.
Can Medicare Part B be backdated?
This process allows individuals to request immediate or retroactive enrollment into Part B and the elimination of late enrollment penalties from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
When does insurance start?
Generally, coverage starts the month after you sign up.
When does Part A coverage start?
If you qualify for Premium-free Part A: Your Part A coverage starts the month you turn 65. (If your birthday is on the first of the month, coverage starts the month before you turn 65.)
How long do you have to sign up for a health insurance plan?
You also have 8 months to sign up after you or your spouse (or your family member if you’re disabled) stop working or you lose group health plan coverage (whichever happens first).
When does Medicare start?
For most people, Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65. Some people delay enrollment and remain on an employer plan. Others may take premium-free Part A and delay Part B. If someone is on Social Security Disability for 24 months, they qualify for Medicare. Those with End-Stage Renal Disease will be immediately eligiblee ...
How long do you have to wait to apply for medicare?
You should start looking into and applying for Medicare for up to 6 months before you become eligible.
When Does Medicare Advantage Coverage Start?
Those turning 65 and enrolling in Medicare, can select an advantage plan 3-month before the effective date.
When to Start a Medicare Supplement Plan?
Medigap plans can pay for more extended hospital stays. Your one-time Medigap Open Enrollment Period starts on the 1st day of the month you’re 65 years old and have Part B.
How old do you have to be to collect retirement?
Some people wait until they retire to start collecting benefits. For some, that could be 66 years old; for others, waiting until 70 to get delayed retirement credits may be the most beneficial retirement plan.
When do you sign up for unemployment benefits?
It includes your birth month, and it ends three months after your birth month. If you want your benefits to start at the beginning of the month, you turn 65, be sure to sign up at least a month before your birthday. ...
Can you get Medicare if you have ALS?
Those with End-Stage Renal Disease will be immediately eligiblee for Medicare with a diagnosis. When Medicare starts is different for each beneficiary. People with disabilities, ALS, or End-Stage Renal Disease may be eligible for Medicare before they’re 65. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, there is no minimum age ...
File a complaint (grievance)
Find out how to file a complaint (also called a "grievance") if you have a concern about the quality of care or other services you get from a Medicare provider. Contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) for local, personalized Medicare counseling.
File a claim
Get information on how and when to file a claim for your Medicare bills (sometimes called "Medicare billing"). You should only need to file a claim in very rare cases.
Check the status of a claim
Check your claim status with your secure Medicare account, your Medicare Summary Notice (MSN), your Explanation of Benefits (EOB), Medicare's Blue Button, or contact your plan.
File an appeal
How to appeal a coverage or payment decision made by Medicare, your health plan, drug plan or Medicare Medical Savings Account (MSA) Plan.
Your right to a fast appeal
Learn how to get a fast appeal for Medicare-covered services you get that are about to stop.
Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information
Access a form so that someone who helps you with your Medicare can get information on your behalf.
Who needs to identify the correct date of service for the services they provide to a Medicare patient?
Physicians and non-physician practitioners need to identify the correct date of service for the services they provide to a Medicare patient.
What is the code for a physician interpretation?
For 2018, there is also code 93793 describing the physician interpretation and instructions. The appropriate date of service is the date of the review.
What is CCM in Medicare?
CCM is a time-based service providing care for the patient monthly. The non-complex service can be billed to Medicare when the time threshold for the procedure code has been met and documented in the patient’s records. Services would continue as medically necessary throughout the month. The date of the time completion is the date of the service. For complex CCM, once the requirements are met, the date of service is the end of the calendar month. CCM time requirements would begin at the start of the next month.
What is the date of service for a patient on dialysis?
The date of service for a patient beginning dialysis is the date of their first dialysis through the last date of the calendar month. For continuing patients, the date of service is the first through the last date of the calendar month. For transient patients or less than a full month service, these can be billed on a per diem basis. The date of service is the date of responsibility for the patient by the billing physician. This would also include when a patient’s dies during the calendar month. When submitting a date of service span for the monthly capitation procedure codes, the day/units should be coded as “1”.
What is the procedure code for home INR monitoring?
There are several procedure codes applicable to this service. The G0248 describes the initial demonstration use of the home INR monitoring and instructions for reporting given in a face-to-face setting with the patient. The date of service is the date of the face-to-face meeting.
What is the date of service for a NPP certification?
The date of service for the Certification is the date the physician/non-physician practitioner (NPP) completes and signs the plan of care. The date of the Recertification is the date the physician/NPP completes the review.
How many exceptions are there to the date of service rule for laboratory tests?
There are three exceptions to the general date of service rule for laboratory tests:
What to do if you think Medicare is calling you?
If you think the call is from Medicare, hang up and call them back at the national number. Then, if it was one of them, they can help you. However, if Medicare isn’t attempting to reach you, then you avoid a spammer trying to steal your information. Telemarketing calls attempt to commit fraud and theft.
What to do if you get a call from someone who claims to be Medicare?
If you get calls from someone claiming to be Medicare, get a name and phone number, and call Medicare to make a report.
How to report a fraudulent call to Medicare?
How to Report a Medicare Call. You can report a fraudulent call from someone claiming they worked for Medicare by going to the FTC Complaint Assistant. You can help protect yourself from fraudulent activities by never offering credit card or personal information to anyone.
How long after you register for Do Not Call list can you get spam calls?
Also, register both your cell phone and home phone to put an end to the calls. If you find you’re still getting spam calls 31 days after you register with the Do Not Call list, file a complaint. If you have a smartphone, you can install a call blocker.
What is the phone number for the Federal Trade Commission?
To register, call from the phone which you want on the Do Not Call list. The phone number is 1-888-382-1222.
Why do scammers use phony caller IDs?
Scam calls will many times use phony caller IDs to hide their real location and make it look like they’re calling from a local number.
Is Medicare a spam?
Spammers found a niche in claiming to be Medicare, so if you get a call from a person saying they’re with Medicare, you can guarantee it’s spam. You may also find that you’ll start getting spammy emails in your inbox – if it sounds suspicious, it more than likely is! Please do not reply to any emails seeking personal information, and be sure to report it as spam immediately. You should never share your Medicare Identifier or Social Security number with a stranger.