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Where to Find More Information
A Guide of Useful Web sites and Phone Numbers
www.medicare.gov
– Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and the
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services - The official
U.S. Government site for people with Medicare includes news and useful
information such as a searchable glossary of Medicare-related terms,
information on long-term care, preventative services, plan choices and
extensive resources for the new prescription drug coverage. The site
also features my.Medicare.gov,
which gives users access to personalized information regarding their
Medicare benefits and services such as card replacement and change of
address. A highlight of the site is the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Finder, a tool that helps users learn more about the new Medicare prescription
drug coverage and options that will help meet their needs. Special
features: Available in English or Spanish languages; larger type view
optional.
www.socialsecurity.gov
– Social Security Administration
Apply for extra help with Medicare prescription drug coverage by going
to this Web site. You can apply on behalf of others. Special features:
Information available in 15 languages, including: Arabic, Armenian,
Chinese, English, French, Greek, Haitian-Creole, Italian, Korean, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Tagalog, and Vietnamese; larger type view
optional.
In addition to the official site, a variety of other online resources are
available to help people make the best choices for their health regarding
Medicare prescription drug coverage. Some of these include:
- www.benefitscheckuprx.org
– The Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services sponsors this online tool to help guide the decision
making and enrollment process. Visitors fill out a questionnaire to
learn more about coverage options and then have the ability to print
a personalized report of programs for which they may be eligible,
including telephone numbers and further instructions on how to enroll
in the programs. Special features: Available in English language
only.
- www.Shiptalk.org
– The State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is a
national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance
to people with Medicare and their families. Visitors to this Web site
can locate counseling services available by state. Special features:
Available in English language only; offers a screen reader accessible
version.
- www.maprx.info
– Medicare Rx Connect provides information on Medicare prescription
drug coverage in clear and concise language. The Web site contains
information in key dates as well as a listing of resources available
by state. Special features: All information available in English
language; some information available in Spanish language; larger type
view optional.
- www.medicarerights.org
– The Medicare Right Center Web site has extensive
information on Medicare and the latest news about Medicare prescription
drug coverage. The site has downloadable fact sheets on choosing a
plan, cost information, questions and answers which are updated weekly
and an online newsletter. Special features: Available in Spanish
language.
- www.eldercare.gov
– The Eldercare Locator connects older Americans and their caregivers
with sources of information on senior services. The Web site includes
a tool that allows visitors to search for services and organizations
by zip code. Special features: Available in English language only;
larger type view optional.
- www.volunteermatch.org
– The CMS MedicareRx Volunteer Initiative is a national volunteer
corps of individuals committed to providing personalized assistance
to people with Medicare who need help understanding and joining a
prescription drug plan.
- www.kff.org
– The Kaiser Family Foundation has resources on the new Medicare
prescription drug coverage, including fact sheets that summarize the
program’s structure and state by state plan information, survey
data on older adults’ views of the new program and various consumer
resources to help make decisions about the benefit.
- www.fria.org
– The Friends and Relatives of Institutionalized Aged (FRIA)
Web site has a Medicare prescription drug coverage section that includes
a listing of important milestones and dates, and basic information
on extra financial help. FRIA’s Mission is to assure that nursing
home residents receive prompt, high quality and compassionate care.
They seek high quality, long-term healthcare for all New Yorkers in
the least institutionalized setting possible by helping relatives
become effective advocates for the needs of their loved ones.
Here are some key toll-free 800 numbers:
- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Hotline (toll-free)
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- Social Security Administration (toll-free)
1-800-772-1213
- Eldercare Locator (toll-free)
1-800-677-1116
Information on additional Web sites and phone numbers for regional organizations
that may be of interest is available at http://www.medicare.gov/contacts/.
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