Medicare Blog

who do you contact when having trouble using your medicare card for pharmacy

by Sigmund Feeney Jr. Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) Biggie Productions / Getty Images You can call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a representative to ask questions about Medicare or get help resolving problems with Medicare.

Full Answer

What should I do if I get a call from Medicare?

 · You can call 1-800-MEDICARE and speak with a representative to ask questions about Medicare or get help resolving problems with Medicare. We made a test call to this number and were greeted by a polite Medicare representative after being on hold for about 90 seconds.

How do I thwart a Medicare card scam?

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.

Who can I give my Medicare number to?

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.

What happens if you don’t have a Medicare number?

 · If you lost your Medicare card and believe that someone else might be using your number, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). Considering a Medicare Plan? Get online …

What is the Medicare helpline?

(800) 633-4227Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services / Customer service

How do I contact my local Medicare office?

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.

Who is the best person to talk to 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.

How do I contact CMS with questions?

Beneficiaries. Beneficiaries should call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048 for all of the following: General questions about the Shared Savings Program.

How do I ask Medicare 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.

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.

Does Medicare have local offices?

Does Medicare Have Local Offices? Medicare does not have local offices.

Does Medicare cover dental?

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.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?

Medicare is a federal program that provides health coverage if you are 65+ or under 65 and have a disability, no matter your income. Medicaid is a state and federal program that provides health coverage if you have a very low income.

Can you contact Medicare by email?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Email us at [email protected].

Who is CMS Medicare?

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) provides health coverage to more than 100 million people through Medicare, Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance Program, and the Health Insurance Marketplace.

What does CMS stand for in Medicare?

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid ServicesHome - Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services | CMS.

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.

What happens if you lose your Medicare number?

If it is lost or stolen and gets into the wrong hands, you could be the victim of identity theft. Your personal information could be used fraudulently to obtain medical care or submit billing to Medicare in your name. Today, your Medicare number is no longer your SSN.

What to do if you don't bring a health card to an appointment?

If you don’t want to bring it with you to a health appointment, you can call ahead and ask the doctor’s office if they’ll need a copy of the card.

What happens if you forget where you put your credit card?

Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you’re done using it. If you forget where you put it, you may need to get a replacement card.

Where to keep a medical card if you don't want to go to the doctor?

If you don’t want to carry the card with you when you’re not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you’re done using it.

Can a doctor look up my Medicare card?

Sometimes doctors can look up your Medicare information without requiring your card if they have access to the Medicare Administrative Contractor portal. You’ll need to provide your full legal name, birthday and SSN. 7.

How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?

According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail.

Is Medicare a Social Security number?

Good to Know. Your Medicare number is no longer your Social Security number, but a more secure combination of letters and numbers that helps protect you from identity theft .

Why don't you believe a Medicare caller is a Medicare employee?

Don’t believe a caller is a Medicare employee simply because he or she knows some information about you. Scammers will have done their homework.

What do scammers want from Medicare?

What the scammers really want, of course, is to get personal or financial information for the purposes of identity theft or outright theft. To thwart a Medicare card scam, follow some basic precautions.

What is AARP fraud watch?

Whether you have been personally affected by scams or fraud or are interested in learning more, the AARP Fraud Watch Network advocates on your behalf and equips you with the knowledge you need to feel more informed and confidently spot and avoid scams.

What does "800-633-4227" mean?

You receive an unexpected call from someone claiming to work for Medicare. Actual employees will never call you without being invited to do so — for example, if you left a message at Medicare’s customer service line (800-633-4227). The caller claims you need to pay a fee to get a new or upgraded Medicare card,

What did the scammers do during the Medicare rollout?

During the rollout, scammers impersonating Medicare employees called many beneficiaries, telling them they needed to verify personal information or pay a processing fee to get their new card. Once the rollout was complete, the fraudsters switched gears, adopting variations on the con that claim you need to replace or upgrade your Medicare card.

Why did Medicare give out new cards?

En español | From April 2018 to January 2019, the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services sent every Medicare beneficiary a new card designed to better protect against identity theft. Where the previous cards showed your Social Security number, the new cards utilize a unique, randomly assigned combination of numbers and letters called a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI). But the new approach hasn’t stopped criminals from targeting older Americans.

Can you share your Social Security number?

Don’t share your Medicare or Social Security number (or other personal information) with anyone who contacts you out of the blue by phone, text or email or shows up unannounced at your door.

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.

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 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.

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.

Can Medicare help you if they are not contacting you?

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. Some widespread telemarketing calls say you win all-expense-paid trips or owe payment for fake debts.

Can you stop Medicare telemarketing calls?

Medicare Telemarketing Calls. When new to Medicare, it can seem impossible to stop the phone calls from telemarketers and spammers. Although, not all who call are bad. 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.

Can Medicare call you asking for bank information?

In either of these scenarios or similar situations, do not give out your personal information. Medicare will never call you asking for bank information or credit card numbers.

What amendments made it illegal for pharmaceutical companies to give discounts for any medications bought through Medicare?

Social Security Amendments of 1972 made it illegal for pharmaceutical companies to give discounts for any medications bought through Medicare. The 1972 Amendments also include the Anti-Kickback Statute. Making it illegal for anyone, to offer drug coupons and rebates to customers for items or services that a federal healthcare program pays.

What is a pharmacy benefit manager?

Pharmacy benefit managers act as “middlemen” negotiating contracts between the two parties. Pharmacy benefit managers establish drug formularies, set up discounts and rebates for manufacturers, and process the pharmacy’s claims for prescription medications.

Can Medicare beneficiaries use SingleCare?

Like GoodRx, SingleCare is another option to help save money. Medicare beneficiaries can use SingleCare, but they can’t pair it with their Part D.

Can you use a discount card with Medicare Advantage?

Many Medicare Advantage policies include Part D. Just like with Medicare, you can use either your built-in coverage or a discount drug card. You can use your discount card to save on your drug costs if it saves you more money than your Medicare Advantage plan.

Is it illegal to offer drug coupons?

Making it illegal for anyone, to offer drug coupons and rebates to customers for items or services that a federal healthcare program pays. When a pharmaceutical company suggests you choose a more expensive drug option, Medicare spends more money than if you chose the lower-cost generic medication.

Can you use a coupon for Medicare Part D?

Home / FAQs / Medicare Part D / Prescription Discount Cards & Coupons for Medicare Beneficia…. Updated on June 3, 2021. Using prescription manufacturers’ coupons and Medicare together, to pay for medications is illegal. But, you can use drug coupons instead of using Part D. It’s smart to use the coupon when Part D would cost more ...

Can you use a coupon card with Medicaid?

Coupons cannot be paired with any federal insurance program, including Medicaid. Coupons are primarily for patients with commercial insurance or no insurance. Now, you can use a discount card instead of Part D! For more information on if you qualify for a coupon, you can always contact your pharmacy or the manufacturer.

What are the common mistakes people make when enrolling in Medicare?

1. Not signing up for Medicare at the right time. Timing, as they say, is everything. It’s especially important when it comes to enrolling in Medicare.

What is the Medicare quiz?

Quiz: Medicare Basics. 2. Blowing the special enrollment period. If you are 65 or older, when you stop working and lose your health insurance coverage or when the insurance you have through your spouse ends, you’ll need to sign up for Medicare. Medicare has created a special enrollment period ...

When is the best time to buy a Medigap policy?

The best time to buy a Medigap policy is during your Medigap open enrollment period. That six-month window starts when you turn 65 years old and have enrolled in Medicare Part B.

What is a Medigap policy?

Medigaps are supplemental health insurance policies that work with original Medicare. If you have a Medigap policy, it pays part or some of the out-of-pocket costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as your Part A hospital deductible or the 20 percent coinsurance in Part B. Depending on where you live, you can choose from as many as 10 different Medigap plans. Each policy has a different letter name (for example, Plan A) and offers a different set of standardized benefits. Policies with the same letter name offer the same benefits, but premiums can vary from company to company.

Does Medicare cover Part D?

To help pay for your out-of-pocket costs, you can buy a Medigap policy, which has its own separate monthly premium. Original Medicare does not include Part D (prescription drug coverage), so you must sign up for a stand-alone Part D plan if you do not have other drug coverage.

What is the difference between Medicare and Medigap?

The vast majority of doctors in the country take this insurance. To help pay for your out-of-pocket costs, you can buy a Medigap policy, which has its own separate monthly premium. Original Medicare does not include Part D (prescription drug coverage), so you must sign up for a stand-alone Part D plan if you do not have other drug coverage. Original Medicare does not have a limit on your annual out-of-pocket costs.

How long do Medicare penalties last?

Note: Usually, these penalties last for as long as you have Medicare. But if you are paying this penalty and qualify for and enroll in a Medicare Savings Program or the Extra Help program — which helps low-income older adults pay for Medicare out-of-pocket costs — you will no longer have to pay the penalty.

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