Have your Medicare number from your red, white, and blue Medicare card available. The automated system will ask for your Medicare number at the beginning of the call. You can either say your Medicare number or enter it with the phone keypad—enter the numbers and press the * key for any letter(s). For example, if your Medicare number is 123-45-6789A, press 123456789*. The voice system will then ask you for that letter.
Full Answer
Who do I call if I Have Questions about Medicare?
Do you have questions about your Medicare coverage? 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) can help. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048. What should I have ready when I call 1-800-MEDICARE?
How do I talk to a real person at Medicare?
For specific billing questions and questions about your claim, medical records, or expenses, log into MyMedicare.gov, or call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
Can I call Medicare about another person’s coverage?
If you’re calling Medicare regarding another person’s coverage, you’ll need to take some additional steps before you even pick up the phone. Medicare can only share a beneficiary’s personal health information with authorized entities.
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.
Can I call Medicare on behalf of someone else?
You can either give verbal permission over the phone for the customer service representative to speak with someone else on your behalf, or fill out an authorization form in advance.
How can I talk to someone about my Medicare?
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 call individuals?
Medicare generally won't call you, except in limited circumstances. One such exception is if you have called 1-800-MEDICARE and requested a return call. Medicare will never call or come to your home uninvited to sell products or services.
What are the Medicare regulations?
Medicare Regulations means, collectively, all Federal statutes (whether set forth in Title XVIII of the Social Security Act or elsewhere) affecting the health insurance program for the aged and disabled established by Title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C.
Can you call Medicare anytime?
The Medicare general enquiries line is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Tags: Medicare.
Does Medicare have local offices?
Does Medicare Have Local Offices? Medicare does not have local offices.
Should you give your Medicare number over the phone?
Treat your Medicare card like it's a credit card. Don't ever give it out except to your doctor or other Medicare provider. Never give your Medicare Number in exchange for free medical equipment or any other free offer. Dishonest providers will use your numbers to get payment for services they never delivered.
Why is Medicare Assist calling me?
If someone calls claiming to be from Medicare, asking for your Social Security number or bank information to get your new card or new benefits, that's a scam. Don't give personal information to a caller claiming to be from Medicare. You can't trust caller id.
Why are there so many Medicare calls?
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.
What are 3 rights everyone on Medicare has?
— Call your plan if you have a Medicare Advantage Plan, other Medicare health plan, or a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. Have access to doctors, specialists, and hospitals. can understand, and participate in treatment decisions. You have the right to participate fully in all your health care decisions.
Do doctors treat Medicare patients differently?
So traditional Medicare (although not Medicare Advantage plans) will probably not impinge on doctors' medical decisions any more than in the past.
Can a doctor refuse to treat a Medicare patient?
Can Doctors Refuse Medicare? The short answer is "yes." Thanks to the federal program's low reimbursement rates, stringent rules, and grueling paperwork process, many doctors are refusing to accept Medicare's payment for services. Medicare typically pays doctors only 80% of what private health insurance pays.
What to call Medicare?
An individual may call Medicare with questions about coverage, medical records, claims, billing, and expenses. In addition to speaking with Medicare over the phone, individuals may acquire much of the information they need through two websites. This article provides an overview of Medicare, explains what to expect when calling Medicare, ...
When calling, should a person have their Medicare card in hand?
When calling, a person should have their Medicare card in hand. The automated phone system will ask a person to either say or key in their account number. An individual may use the phone number to get a wide range of information that may include: coverage. medical records.
What are some examples of non-Medicare sources?
Primary examples of these sources include Social Security and the private insurance companies that administer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medigap plans.
What is Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage. Medicare Advantage, or Medicare Part C, combines the benefits of original Medicare under one bundled plan. These plans must provide all of the coverage of Medicare parts A and B, but may also include extra benefits. Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage plans.
What is the Medicare phone number?
Additional sources. Summary. Sometimes, it may be preferable to speak with someone at Medicare. The Medicare phone number is 800-MEDICARE, or 800-633-4227. A deaf or partially deaf person may call 877-486-2048. An individual may call Medicare with questions about coverage, medical records, claims, billing, and expenses.
What is the phone number for SSA?
The phone number for SSA is 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 for a deaf or partially deaf person. Alternatively, a person may visit their website. Someone may contact SSA to do the following: enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, or both. check Medicare eligibility.
What is Medicare for seniors?
Image credit: Blend Images – Mark Edward Atkinson / Getty Images. Medicare is the federal insurance program for individuals who are aged 65 and older, along with some younger people who have specific health conditions. It also provides coverage for a person of any age with end stage renal disease.
Get Your Information Ready
Before you call Medicare, you'll need your Medicare number, so make sure you have your red, white, and blue Medicare card ready. If you don't have a card, you can request or print a new one through your MyMedicare.gov account.
When Should You Call 1-800-MEDICARE?
There are a number of reasons you may wish to speak to a Medicare representative. You may wish to call Medicare to:
Can Someone Else Call Medicare For You?
Yes, if you have authorized them to speak with Medicare on your behalf. You must perform this authorization first, as federal law prohibits anyone from Medicare sharing your personal health information with anyone but you.
The 1-800-MEDICARE Menu Options
It may be easier to prepare for your Medicare call if you know what your menu options are.
Other Ways to Contact Medicare
If you prefer to conduct your business in writing, you may mail questions, completed forms, and other documents to Medicare at:
What age group do you sell Medicare?
As an insurance agent who sells Medicare, most of your clients probably fall into the 65 and older population. When you talk to people in this age group, there are several communication do’s and don’ts to keep in mind.
What is the tendency to use patronizing language or simplified words when talking to seniors?
Avoiding Elderspeak. One major offense an agent can make when talking to older Medicare clients is falling into elderspeak. This is the tendency to use patronizing language or simplified words when talking to seniors or addressing them with names like, “sweetie” or “dear.”.
How to avoid a slipup when meeting with an older adult?
Getting into the habit of using the right words when you’re talking about older adults will help prevent a slipup when you’re meeting with a client. It’s essential to practice using the appropriate identifiers when talking to other agents, your field marketing organization, and especially your clients.
Is it okay to call someone a baby boomer?
A large percentage of older adults also seem OK with being called “baby boomers” since it simply indicates the generation in which they were born. “Seniors” is another option that’s inoffensive. However, “senior citizen” has a negative and patronizing connotation, so you should avoid using it.
Do seniors have to learn simplified words?
Many seniors maintain the same vocabulary they had years ago, several improving their vocabulary as they age. There’s no reason to assume someone over the age of 65 needs simplified words or phrases any more so than younger individuals.
What to do if someone does not name you as a POA?
If your loved one did not name you as POA prior to their incapacitation, you will have to go to court and petition for guardianship in order to access their medical and/or financial information and make decisions on their behalf.
What is the Medicare Part A and B?
Effective dates for Medicare Part A and Part B (located on the Medicare card) Information about current health care coverage, including policy, member and group ID numbers (e.g. long-term care insurance, insurance from a former or current employer or union)
What do you do if your loved one is incapacitated?
If your loved one becomes incapacitated and has not already authorized Medicare to speak with you, you’ll need to use your power of attorney (POA) to complete the authorization as their personal representative.
What is Medicare's online platform?
Medicare created an online platform called MyMedicare.gov that allows beneficiaries to manage their health information, claims, appeals and payments electronically. This resource prevents you from having to call Medicare every time you need a copy of a document or have a question.
Can you call Medicare on behalf of someone else?
Contacting Medicare on Behalf of Someone Else. If you’re calling Medicare regarding another person’s coverage, you’ll need to take some additional steps before you even pick up the phone. Medicare can only share a beneficiary’s personal health information with authorized entities.
Can you grant a beneficiary an authorization verbally?
The beneficiary can grant you authorization verbally while you’re on the line with Medicare, online using their MyMedicare.gov account, or by mailing in a written form. The earlier authorization is granted, the easier it will be for you to help with their Medicare-related matters.
How many people on Medicare are blind?
Blind or low vision. Just under 8% of the Medicare beneficiar ies are blind or have low vision (7.7%, n=4,077,447). Unlike patterns among individuals with limited English proficiency, prevalence of persons who are blind or have low vision does not differ notably in rural compared to urban settings (8.7% vs. 7.6%).
Which state has the most Medicare beneficiaries?
Looking at the percentage of the overall Medicare beneficiary population by state, we see that California has the most Medicare beneficiaries (10% of all Medicare beneficiaries), followed by Florida (8%), Texas (7%), New York (6%), Pennsylvania (5%), Ohio (4%), Illinois (4%), Michigan (3%), and North Carolina (3%).
Is Medicare deaf or hard of hearing?
Deaf or hard of hearing. Hearing impairment is even more common among Medicare beneficiaries than limited English proficiency or vision impairment, with nearly 15% of Medicare beneficiaries considered deaf or hard of hearing (14.7%, n=7,733,886).
Can an agent promote Medicare?
Of all the rules on “Medicare speak,” this is probably the one that agents recognize the most. An agent who sells Medicare products cannot promote their services in such a way, so as to make potential (or current) clients think they’re recommended or endorsed by Medicare itself or the government.
Can you cross sell life insurance during a Medicare appointment?
Otherwise, you’re not allowed to cross-sell other, non-Medicare types of plans, like dental, vision, hearing, and hospital indemnity plans, during a Medicare appointment. You definitely cannot cross-sell life insurance, annuities, and other products not listed on the Scope of Appointment during a Medicare sales appointment.
Can Medicare cover all of its members needs?
No plan can cover all of its members’ needs. As an agent, you probably learned that early on. Don’t mislead your clients into thinking a single Medicare plan is the magic answer to better health and finances.
Can Medicare agents say anything during sales appointments?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have some strict rules on what agents can and cannot say during Medicare sales appointments, but pulling them out of the dense Medicare Advantage & Part D Communication Requirements can be tough and time-consuming. Here are some examples to help simplify things!
Can you use "unsubstantiated absolute" in Medicare?
CMS states that plans, Part D sponsors, and agents cannot use “unsubstantiated absolute and/or qualified superlatives or pejoratives” in the Medicare Advantage & Part D Communication Requirements. This includes phrases like “one of the best” and “among the highest ranking.”.
Does Medicare Advantage have a copay?
While certain Medicare plans (e.g., $0-premium Medicare Advantage plans) may not have a premium or copays, that doesn’t mean they’re free. Using the word “free” in association with Medicare plans is majorly misleading as these plans can still have copays, coinsurance, and deductibles above $0, as well as specific network requirements and service areas for any $0 benefits.
When is the Medicare enrollment period for 2019?
July 17, 2019. Every year, the Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare is from October 15 – December 7 and this is the only time to select the right plan for you. This is also when seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries can switch from Original Medicare administered by the government.
Does Medicare Advantage cover supplemental insurance?
Be sure to ask about Medicare Advantage plans, which are offered by private insurance companies and supplemental insurance that does cover these services and the ones that are right for you. Since this is the one time a year you can sign up or make changes to your policies, you want to make sure you know all of your costs.
The Proper Terms For Older Adults
Practicing Patience with Medicare Clients
- When talking to seniors, and really any client, it’s very important to never talk down to them or be condescending in any way. A lot of the information you share with your clients will probably be brand new to them, and for many, this could be their first time buying a Medicare plan. You may have to go over the same information more than once, but you shouldn’t let this frustrate you. Tr…
Avoiding Elderspeak
- One major offense an agent can make when talking to older Medicare clients is falling into elderspeak. This is the tendency to use patronizing language or simplified words when talking to seniors or addressing them with names like, “sweetie” or “dear.” If you find yourself using a high-pitched voice, you might be using elderspeak. Many seniors main...
Decisions Equal Empowerment
- As an insurance agent, it’s your job to guide your clients through the decision-making process. It’s important that you don’t make a decision for them or assume you know what’s best for them. For seniors, being able to exercise choicecan lead to a greater sense of confidence and self-esteem. It also helps them feel empowered to be more proactive in life. Allowing your clients to make deci…