Medicare Blog

what is the medicare benefits helpline

by Octavia Schinner Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Contact Medicare

  • Phone. For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.
  • TTY
  • Mailing address

Full Answer

How to contact our Medicare benefits hotline?

Oct 03, 2018 · The Medicare Helpline is an online marketplace where users can compare price quotes for different Medicare plans and supplemental insurance. A subsidiary of Tiburon Insurance Services, it is a licensed and certified representative of a Medicare Advantage organization and a stand-alone prescription drug plan with a Medicare contract.

What benefits are covered by Medicare?

Call to Get the Benefits You Deserve Call to speak with a licensed insurance agent (800) 976-6274 (TTY 711) Mon. - Fri. 8am - 8pm EST Plans can only be changed during certain times of the year. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.

What are my Medicare benefits?

Contact Medicare | Medicare Contact Medicare Phone 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

What are the benefits of traditional Medicare?

Mar 07, 2022 · Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) Part C. This type of plan is an additional way to get what Part A and B cover but has additional benefits. These additional coverage plans are many times called Part C or Medicare Advantage (MA) Plans and are offered by separate private companies that have been approved by and must follow rules that are governed by Medicare.

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Is Medicare extra benefits helpline legitimate?

But here's some of what it says: The Medicare Coverage Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program. The Medicare Coverage Hotline is a private for profit lead generation campaign and does not offer insurance and is not an insurance agency or broker.Apr 25, 2021

What exactly is the Medicare coverage helpline?

Do you have questions about your Medicare coverage? 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can help.

Is the Medicare helpline a hoax?

According to Truthinadvertising.org, Medicare Coverage Helpline—which in no way is affiliated with the government—continues to mislead consumers on the benefits it can offer Medicare recipients, only now it has the help of New York Jets legend Joe Namath as a paid spokesperson.Jul 26, 2021

Is medical coverage helpline legit?

Instead, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) is allowing Medicare Advantage plans to send you to “the Medicare Coverage Helpline.” And, while you might think that it is a government, independent agency, it is in fact a corporate marketing agency, designed to seduce you into giving up your public ...Sep 29, 2020

What phone number is 800 633 4227?

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

Why is Medicare Advantage being pushed so hard?

Advantage plans are heavily advertised because of how they are funded. These plans' premiums are low or nonexistent because Medicare pays the carrier whenever someone enrolls. It benefits insurance companies to encourage enrollment in Advantage plans because of the money they receive from Medicare.Feb 24, 2021

What are the disadvantages of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Cons of Medicare AdvantageRestrictive plans can limit covered services and medical providers.May have higher copays, deductibles and other out-of-pocket costs.Beneficiaries required to pay the Part B deductible.Costs of health care are not always apparent up front.Type of plan availability varies by region.More items...•Dec 9, 2021

What are the negatives of a Medicare Advantage plan?

Medicare Advantage can become expensive if you're sick, due to uncovered copays. Additionally, a plan may offer only a limited network of doctors, which can interfere with a patient's choice. It's not easy to change to another plan; if you decide to switch to Medigap, there often are lifetime penalties.

Why am I getting so many calls about Medicare?

Phone calls Sometimes, they're selling phony products such as supplemental or prescription drug Medicare plans. The whole purpose of all of these calls is to obtain your personal information, whether that is your Medicare card number, your Social Security number, or banking information.

Is Medicare Advantage the same as Medicare?

Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bundled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D. Plans may have lower out-of- pocket costs than Original Medicare. In many cases, you'll need to use doctors who are in the plan's network.

Will the Medicare commercials ever end?

–Not Quite Yet! The brief December respite from Medicare Advantage Plan TV commercials is over. Starting January 1, Medicare Advantage insurance plans have until March 31 to convince current plan users to switch between Medicare Advantage Plan companies.Jan 3, 2022

What is the Medicare helpline number?

Still have questions, please call. Call 800-976-6274 ( TTY 711) What is the Medicare Coverage Helpline ®? The Medicare Coverage Helpline is a no-cost service that connects you with a licensed insurance agent to discuss Medicare plan options in your area.

Can Medicare plans be changed?

Plans can only be changed during certain times of the year. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal. By completing the contact form above or calling the number listed above, you will be directed to a licensed sales agent who can answer your questions and provide information about Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medicare supplement ...

Phone

For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)

For specific billing questions and questions about your claims, medical records, or expenses, log into your secure Medicare account, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Up Close

First of all, I feel we should take another look at the commercial and take a closer look.

I Called the 800 Number To See What Extra Medicare Benefits I Could Get – An Actual Person Answered Looked Up My Zip Code – Timestamp: 00:05-00:15 seconds

The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “ The 2021 Medicare Helpline is not affiliated with or acting on behalf of any government agency or program.

Medicare Advantage Plan (MAP) Part C

This type of plan is an additional way to get what Part A and B cover but has additional benefits.

Description of Medicare Advantage Plans

These MA plans Part D drug coverage, normally and in many cases to get this coverage, you will need to use the health care provider in that private companies plan network.

Description of Some Medicare Advantage Plan Coverages

The Medicare Advantage (MA) (Part C) Plans will cover all of your Part A and B benefits except any hospice services or clinical trials and temporarily the new benefits that happen because of national coverages or legislation has determined.

I was offered Extra Benefits Like Dental Coverage at Timestamp 00:16-19 seconds

The fine print in the red circle on this screenshot says – “Plans and benefits vary, and premiums, co-pays, and co-insurance may apply. Plans that have no premiums, no co-pays, no deductibles may require qualifying for low-income subsidies or, SNP plans. Benefits may differ from those offered under your current plan.

Choosing Plans To Benefit You The Most

Many Decisions to make for Expanded Coverage in your Medicare Advantage Plan. Recommend that you consider talking to a broker or consultant to go through every detail with you before you commit to enabling the best coverage for the money and peace of mind for you and your family.

Medicare Coverage Helpline Scam: How it Works

Watch out for the Medicare Coverage Helpline Scam happening this month. Many people are getting Medicare scam calls claiming to be from local medical centers. The topic of the discussion is anything related to the pandemic.

Medicare Fraud Impersonates Authorities

Let’s get back to the Medicare Coverage Helpline Scam. In a different variation of it, victims receive calls from a fake representative of “AD Medical Advisors” who tries to sell them a prescription drug discount plan or advises them of a problem with their Medicare program. The crook then asks for the bank account number and withdraws $300.

Medicare Coverage Scam: How To Avoid

Warn your parents and grandparents of this in advance and advise them to tell the callers they’ll call them back. That way they can ring off straight away. Also, don’t forget to register your or their phone number with the Do Not Call Registry List (in the US HERE and Australia HERE ), Telephone Preference Service (TPS in the U.K.

How to Report the Medicare Coverage Helpline Scam

Make your family and friends aware of the Medicare Coverage Helpline scam by sharing this article on social media using the buttons provided. You can also officially report the scammers to the FTC (Federal Trade Commission) using the link below:

What happens if you go out of network with Medicare?

If they go out of network, the costs can be astronomical. Once a person is very ill, the co-pays and co-insurance and deductibles and drug costs under Medicare Advantage can be horrendous. It is then that many seek to get better coverage by returning to traditional Medicare.

Does Medicare Advantage have a monthly premium?

They also claim to offer a number of additional benefits.”. She said the main advantage for a senior who enrolls in a Medicare Advantage plan “is that there may be no monthly premium and the person may not have to pay the $144 monthly that is deducted from Social Security for Part B.”.

Who owns Medicare Helpline?

The Medicare Coverage Helpline is owned by TogetherHealth PAP, LLC, which in turn is owned by Health Insurance Innovations. Health Insurance Innovations is enmeshed in two class-action lawsuits. It allegedly bilked Americans of millions of dollars. The FTC ended up shutting them down last fall.

Who wrote the 2020 Medicare Advantage?

September 29, 2020. by Diane Archer. Andrew Martin. Written by Diane Archer. Kay Tillow writes for Daily Kos about the “Medicare Advantage scam” and beyond. She explains that these for-profit health plans that deliver Medicare benefits are using stars like Joe Namath to mislead people into signing up for coverage that very well might not meet their ...

What does Namath not tell you?

What Namath does not tell you is that if you choose the wrong Medicare Advantage plan, you might face inappropriate denials of care, along with other administrative and financial barriers to care. Indeed, new research finds that the wrong choice of Medicare Advantage plan might literally kill you.

Does Medicare Advantage offer benefits?

Medicare Advantage plans generally offer some benefits that traditional Medicare does not offer, which is an attraction. But, you are trading away your ability to see the doctors and use the hospitals you want to use anywhere in the country without worry that your care will be covered.

Is Medicare star rating a farce?

Medicare s star-rating system is a farce and you should not rely on it. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle have been taken in by these for-profit companies. Maybe it’s because these lawmakers are heavily lobbied. Maybe it’s because of the campaign contributions they receive.

Can I see a doctor if I get sick?

But, if you get sick, you might find that you can’t see the doctors you want to see, your plan refuses to pre-authorize procedures your doctors say you need and, if you get care, the copays and deductibles add up to thousands of dollars. Medicare Advantage plans generally offer some benefits that traditional Medicare does not offer, ...

Does Medicare Advantage offer nursing home care?

Medicare Advantage plans maximize profits by paying as little as possible for the care they provide you . So, that can often mean they contract with poor quality providers.

Why does Medicare make it seem to be a new opportunity provided by Medicare?

He makes it seem to be a new opportunity provided by Medicare because of the corona virus that is keeping us homebound. “But you don’t get all the benefits automatically, you need to enroll. The easiest way to enroll is to call the Medicare Coverage Helpline.

What happens when you switch back to traditional Medicare?

But when a person tries to change back to traditional Medicare later, that protection is gone. Only four states have regulations to prohibit such practices.

What is the Joe Namath ad?

The Joe Namath ad for the Medicare Coverage Helpline includes some tiny print that no one could possibly read on the television. The fine print of the ad says “The Medicare Coverage Helpline is a private for-profit lead generation campaign and does not offer insurance and is not an insurance agency or broker.

What is AHIP insurance?

America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), the organization of health insurance companies, keeps the deceptions going by telling seniors to let their Congressperson know that their Medicare plan is in jeopardy.

How much did Tom Mills pay for his medical care?

Following a mitral valve repair and a mild stroke, his plan began to charge him hundreds of dollars in monthly copays for drugs and other services. He had to pay $295 a night for a hospital stay.

Where is Humana's headquarters?

Supporters of single payer health care at the marble headquarters of Humana in Louisville, Kentucky. In a television ad repeated incessantly, 60’s quarterback star Joe Namath reads his lines to promote the Medicare Coverage Helpline. “Are you getting all the benefits you deserve?”.

Is Medicare a single payer plan?

There is a solution to all of this. A well-designed national single payer plan, an Improved Medicare for All, would boot the Medicare Advantage cheats, solve Medicare’s funding future , and cover everyone, not just the elderly, for all medically necessary care.

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