When should I contact Medicare?
Generally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits 3 months before age 65. Remember, Medicare benefits can begin no earlier than age 65. If you are already receiving Social Security, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B without an additional application.
Who is the best person to talk to about Medicare?
If you've contacted 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY: 1-877-486-2048) about a Medicare-related inquiry or complaint but still need help, ask the 1-800-MEDICARE representative to send your inquiry or complaint to the Medicare Ombudsman's Office.
Are you automatically signed up for Medicare when you turn 65?
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.)
Can you call Medicare 24 hours a day?
Medicare offers a toll-free number that's staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beneficiaries can call for Medicare information or to enroll in a plan or make an appeal. Callers can choose from a handful of menu options. Beneficiaries can also mail or fax Medicare or request information in an accessible format.
What are the 4 types of Medicare?
There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.Part A provides inpatient/hospital coverage.Part B provides outpatient/medical coverage.Part C offers an alternate way to receive your Medicare benefits (see below for more information).Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
Does Medicare cover dental?
Dental services Medicare doesn't cover most dental care (including procedures and supplies like cleanings, fillings, tooth extractions, dentures, dental plates, or other dental devices). Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
Do I need to contact Social Security when I turn 65?
If you aren't eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits at age 65, and you aren't getting Social Security benefits, you can still get your full Medicare benefits (including premium-free Part A) at age 65, but you must contact Social Security to sign up.
Do I need to notify Social Security when I turn 65?
Is it automatic when I turn 65? To enroll in Medicare, most people need to contact Social Security directly. Do this before your 65th birthday to avoid a lapse in health coverage.Sep 15, 2013
Does Medicare start on birthdays?
Your Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the previous month. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability or illness, in most cases your IEP is also seven months.
Is Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare?
BCBS companies have been part of the Medicare program since it began in 1966 and now offers multiple Medicare insurance options. Though quality and costs vary by company and by specific plan within those companies, most BCBS plans offer decent value and benefits across a range of health plan options.
Does Medicare call you at home?
Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they'll NEVER call. You'll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you're receiving claim to be from Medicare, it's a spam call.
Can I call Medicare on Saturday?
The Medicare general enquiries line is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day.Jul 17, 2019
What is the Medicare phone number?
Medicare provides beneficiaries with an easy-to-remember 800 number: 1-800-MEDICARE. (That’s 1-800-633-4227.)
When can I call Medicare for help?
The toll-free phone line is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Before you dial though, remember that almost all Medicare-related questions...
When should I call 1-800-MEDICARE?
Beneficiaries can call the toll-free Medicare number to: ask whether certain services are covered, get detailed information about Medicare health a...
How else can I contact Medicare?
You can mail your questions or hard copies of documents to: Medicare Contact Center Operations PO Box 1270 Lawrence, KS 66044 Or fax Medicare at 1-...
What information can I find at Medicare.gov?
Medicare.gov contains a treasure trove of contact information and details about Medicare coverage. For contact information, visit the contact page...
Where else can I get Medicare advice?
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) are free volunteer-based Medicare counseling services available in each state. These programs pr...
When should I call Social Security instead of 1-800-MEDICARE?
Although Social Security and Medicare are linked in many ways, the Social Security Administrations manages enrollment and eligibility for Medicare...
When should I not call 1-800-MEDICARE?
Do not call 1-800-MEDICARE if you have specific questions about your Medicare Advantage (Part C) or Part D plan. Because these policies are adminis...
Live Chat
Medicare.gov Live Chat is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays.
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.
How do Medicare phone scams work?
Across the country, seniors may receive calls from scam operators who claim to represent Medicare or a different insurance provider. They usually claim that the senior’s Medicare card has expired, prompting the release of personal information like name, address, Medicare number, or Social Security number.
Should I give my Medicare number over the phone?
Because many Medicare recipients have received new Medicare cards since 2018, scam calls encouraging the “activation” of these cards are on the rise. You do not need to activate a Medicare card, update your information, or pay any kind of fee to use your new card once you receive it.
What can a scammer do with my Medicare number?
To help prevent against identity theft, Medicare has issued new cards to recipients that have your Medicare number instead of your Social Security number on the back.
Conclusion
It can be a scary world out there, but the best offense is a great defense. That’s why it’s so important to stay up to date on all things Medicare — you never know when it could save you big!
What is a stand alone Medicare plan?
Stand-alone Medicare prescription drug plan (Medicare Part D) – you might want this type of plan if you need prescription drug coverage. You need Part A or Part B to qualify. If you don’t enroll during your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), you might have to wait to sign up.
What is Medicare Supplement insurance?
Medicare Supplement insurance – this coverage may help pay your Medicare Part A and Part B costs, like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You need Part A and Part B to qualify. Usually the best time to enroll is during your Medicare Supplement Open Enrollment Period.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) – this program gives you an alternative way to get your Medicare Part A and Part B benefits (many plans also include prescription drug benefits too). You need Part A and Part B to qualify, and then the plan (instead of the government) manages those benefits for you.
When does IEP start?
So if your 65th birthday is in November, your IEP runs from August through February. Your IEP is different if you’re not yet 65, but you qualify for Medicare by disability.
Is Medicare Part A premium free?
Enroll in Medicare Part A as soon as they’re eligible. Even if your employer plan has hospital coverage, Part A is premium-free for most people. If your employer plan has hospital coverage, and you have a hospital stay, your plan and Medicare Part A will coordinate benefits to work out payment of your hospital costs.
Is Medicare Part A or B?
You might be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B (Original Medicare). But if you want to sign up for other Medicare coverage, right about when you’re first eligible for Medicare might be a good time to enroll. If you’re not already getting Social Security retirement benefits when you turn 65, you generally won’t be automatically ...
Who is Lindsay Malzone?
Lindsay Malzone is the Medicare expert for MedicareFAQ. She has been working in the Medicare industry since 2017. She is featured in many publications as well as writes regularly for other expert columns regarding Medicare. You can also find her over on our Medicare Channel on YouTube as well as contributing to our Medicare Community on Facebook.
Will Medicare call you?
Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they’ll NEVER call. You’ll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you’re receiving claim to be from Medicare, it’s a spam call.
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.
How to protect yourself from robocalls?
If this is your case, you might consider downloading an application to your cell phone that can help safeguard you from robocalls. When a robocall strikes your phone, be sure to never speak to them. By responding, you’re telling the spammers that your phone number is active. Immediately file a complaint with the FTC.
Is a robocall a scam?
Robocalls are a scammer tactic that can give voice messages to people through pre-recordings. Many cell phone carriers provide services that may alert you if a call is likely a spam call. But, there are still tons of fraudulent calls that can make their way through the cracks.