Contacting Medicare. Complete Medicare Resource Center here:
877-88KEITH (53484)
Reasons for Contacting Medicare and Getting Answers to Questions You May Have
Are you thinking about contacting Medicare with a question or concern about Medicare healthcare coverage? As you can imagine there are thousands of people on a regular basis with questions about medical expenses, records, and filed claims. You can communicate with Medicare by phone, online, or by mail. However, to make the most of your contact efforts you should have a clear idea of what information you need, and consider taking notes or make a record of when you contact them for clarification purposes. The following details provide a brief outline of reasons why Medicare is contacted by people on a regular basis and tips on getting information you need efficiently when contact is established.
Enrollment Details
If you have questions about Medicare eligibility, how to qualify, how to sign up, or you need related information as caregiver for someone eligible for coverage, you can get this information from a Medicare customer service representative. If you started the Medicare enrollment process you can get an update on your enrollment status for plans you signed up for. When you enroll you may get details on how to complete the process by phone, online, or by mail.
Plans and Service Coverage Options
Contacting Medicare often includes learning information about plans offer. Medicare is comprised of different coverage options (known as the Parts of Medicare) including Part A (hospitalization), Part B (doctor visits), Part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D (prescription drug coverage). You can get information on how to enroll in each plan or claims information related to coverage. Patients can learn about services covered, eligibility for each plan, and entitlements if you qualify. Under rare circumstances you may need to file a claim. Medicare will let you know how much time you have to file if this action applies to you.
Tips on How to Contact Medicare
When you have a question or concern you have the option to contact Medicare anytime during the day or evening. You can visit Medicare.gov for general information. You can call the hotline number which is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). For hearing impaired: TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048. Anytime you make contact consider taking notes with a diary or notebook. Record dates and questions asked. In many cases it helps to at least have a pencil and paper handy in case you get forwarded to another department or agent. You can have a list of questions or concerns written down to read over the phone. You can create a folder on your computer for details received via website or email.
Additional Details You Should Know
Contacting Medicare may include different situations such as reporting Medicare fraud or to report a death of a loved one (beneficiary) who was receiving coverage. If you are a recipient of Social Security Disability Income (SSI) you can get information about Medicare through the Social Security Administration if you are under age 65. Someone else on behalf of the beneficiary can contact Medicare with verbal permission over the phone with customer service or by using a special authorization form giving a second party permission to share information about you on your behalf.
