Introduction to Medicare
Medicare was created by Congress in order to provide essential health insurance to those in need. Today, this includes the elderly and the disabled. Most recently, Congress included a prescription drug plan to the Medicare program, enabling beneficiaries to obtain the medications they need. While I voted against the creation of this plan as it was introduced, I understand that Medicare prescription drug plans are the only option available to many seniors to offset the cost of their prescriptions and they will provide extra benefits for seniors with limited means.
There are many helpful resources available at the website maintained by the Center for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS). On this site you can learn more about the prescription drug plans, access the most frequently asked questions, compare plans, and learn more about Medicare Advantage Plans.
Website: www.medicare.gov
Phone: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
Medicare Part D- Prescription Drugs Assistance
Medicare offers prescription drug coverage to help with the cost of drug bills. Medicare beneficiaries can compare prescription drug plans by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or www.medicare.gov. The open enrollment period for Medicare Part D benefits is November 15 through December 31. Below is a pamphlet this is helpful in answering some of the initial questions seniors and their families face while choosing the best prescription drug plan. However, if you have additional questions, I urge you to contact one of my offices in Iowa or one of the organizations included in the link below.
Medicare Pamphlet
You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view this pdf file.
SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
SHIIP is a program available through the Iowa Insurance Division that offers free information on health insurance for Iowa's seniors. SHIIP maintains a web of volunteers in 75 Iowa counties to answer questions regarding health insurance and Medicare, including prescription drug plans.
Website: www.shiip.state.ia.us
Phone: 1-800-351-4664
Has Medicare incorrectly billed you for services?
Contact the STOP! Medicare Fraud line at 1-800-532-1285 or the Complaints Unit at:
Medicare Part B
Attention: Complaints Unit
P.O. Box 6706
Fargo, North Dakota 58103-3309
1-800-477-8477
TTY: 1-800-377-4950
Have your rights concerning Medicare been abused?
Contact the Medicare Rights Hotline at: 1-800-433-4958
Reporting a lost or stolen Medicare card
If you lost your Medicare card or need to replace it contact: 1-800-772-1213
Medicaid for the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
This program allows Medicaid to help pay Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for qualified individuals. To apply or see if you are eligible for QMB, contact your local DHS office. To locate your local DHS office, please visit their website.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Regional Office (CMS)
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may answer questions on local seminars and health fairs on Medicare health plan choice. If you would like to report a complaint directly to CMS Regional Office, please call 1-816-426-2866 or visit their website.
Medicare Rights Center
Medicare Rights Center is a national organization engaged in education and advocacy on behalf of Medicare beneficiaries. On this site you can find Medicare Drug Coverage 101, a comprehensive question and answer page on the prescription drug plans.
Website: http://www.medicarerights.org/about-mrc/
SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol)
If you feel that a company contacting you regarding a potential Medicare Drug Benefit may be attempting to defraud you, you can report this to SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol). SMP compiles information regarding Medicare scams and in cases where fraud has occurred, will work with Medicare make sure a debt is repaid.
Website: www.hvaaa.org/IowaSMP.htm
Phone: 1-800-423-2449
Social Security Administration
Certain Medicare beneficiaries, those with low incomes and limited assets, will be eligible for additional financial assistance to pay for the premiums, deductible, and co-payments in the prescription drug plans. If you, or someone you know, may be eligible for this extra help, Social Security can provide you with an application. The application is available over the phone or on the internet.
Website: www.ssa.gov/prescriptionhelp
Phone: 1-800-772-1213