Take advantage of your state's one-on-one counseling program
If you have a complicated question about Medicare, or just want some help talking through your options, you should take advantage of the free one-on-one counseling available through your state's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
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We've collected the information you need to manage your Medicare benefits. How to sign up for the first time. How to decide between Medicare Advantage and Medigap. How to pick the best Advantage or prescription drug plan.
How do I talk to someone about Medicare eligibility?
You can make an appointment with a Social Security representative at your local office by calling 1-800-772-1213. You can also call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227.
How do I contact Medicare?
You can also call Medicare directly at 1-800-633-4227. Finally, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free counseling and education to help you choose coverage. You can go online to www.shiptalk.org to find a counselor in your area. Show More.
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Why Trusted Senior Specialists?
When our company was founded in 2001, Michael and Melinda Wilhelm had the needs of Medicare eligibles and beneficiaries at the forefront of their minds.
What is the number to call Medicare?
You can call Medicare anytime for help with your coverage. The number to call is 1-800- MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). The TTY (TeleType) number is 1-877-486-2048. This phone number is meant to be a general resource for questions you have about your Medicare coverage. You can check the status of your claims, inquire about your premium ...
How to contact Medicare about disability?
Preparing for your call. Bottom line. Medicare has a helpline with staff available 24/7 to answer your questions : 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY (TeleType): 1-877-486-2048. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) offers help navigating Medicare in each state. They have a national helpline that can ...
How to report lost Medicare card?
The SHIP national hotline is 1- (800)-701-0501. To report a lost Medicare card or if you are trying to change your address with Medicare, you may need to call the Social Security Administration office. Their national hotline is 1 (800) 772-1213.
How to prepare for a Medicare call?
How to prepare for a call to Medicare. When you call the Medicare hotline, you will first be directed to an automated system. The automated system will give you some options and will collect information about your request.
How to answer Medicare questions?
Write down your questions before you call. Take down the name of the person you are talking to and the time of your call, and write down answers to your questions so that you don’t have to call back again.
What to do before sending mail?
Before sending mail that contains important documents or your private health information, call ahead and make sure that you have the correct contact information. Mail that is sent to the wrong address is not always forwarded to the right place, especially in places that receive a high volume of mail.
Does Medicare Advantage offer online chat?
Many of the largest Medicare Advantage providers now offer online chat options where you can communicate with a person who will answer your questions in real time, over the internet.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
