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CMS.gov and How to Get Information About Medicare

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Where to Get Accurate Medicare Information

Two important government websites cover the entire body of Medicare rules, regulations, benefits, and current programs: CMS.gov and Medicare.gov:

  • CMS.gov: This will provide general information for Medicare and Medicaid, regulations, statistics, and minutia. Here, you will find manuals, coverage databases, fact papers, forms, and operations details.
  • Medicare.gov: This is the go-to site for Medicare enrollment and benefits information. Here you can research current plans offered in your area. You can also investigate doctors’ networks, compare medication costs, view plan specifics, and utilize enrollment portals.

These two sites will provide you with enough information to ask questions and understand the answers that you receive when talking with a Medicare representative on the phone. You may even find enough information to avoid the phone call altogether.

CMS.gov

CMS.gov is the official website of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). When you visit the CMS.gov website, you will see tabs across the top representing the major areas of information contained on the site. The Medicare tab will open a page of drop-down menus covering often-searched Medicare subjects from A to Z. If one of these topics fits your questions, you can click on it to read more. If not, or if you aren’t sure, you can use the search bar in the upper right corner.

One drawback to the search bar on the CMS website is that it searches the entire content of information offered by CMS and sometimes makes it a challenge when looking for Medicare-specific information. Be sure to include “Medicare” in your search query and make sure the result pages you read are Medicare specific.

Medicare.gov

Medicare.gov is the official United States government site for Medicare. It’s the best place to investigate your options for specific Medicare plans available in your area. The motto of Medicare.gov is to get key Medicare information fast. Here, you can research and apply for Medicare plans, get specific Medicare plan information, availability, costs, and find local help with information and enrollment.

You have the option of creating a personal account on Medicare.gov or remaining anonymous while researching. Creating an account will allow you to track your plan enrollment, track and review your claims, print enrollment cards, find providers, and even pay premiums if required. These are all specific to your Medicare enrollment.

For simply researching and comparing available plan information, checking drug coverage, finding doctor networks, or enrolling in a plan, click on the tab Find Plans. This will take you to the Medicare Plan Finder.

After choosing whether to Log in, Create an Account, or Continue without logging in, you enter the research and comparison site for Medicare plans. Entering without logging in enables you to research and compare plans anywhere in the U.S. After a few general questions, you are transported to a list of all the specific options available for the year and area you have chosen.

Additional Resources

With the information provided on CMS.gov and Medicare.gov, you should be able to find most if not all of the information you need for Medicare decisions. For a deeper understanding or further clarity, the following resources may be helpful.

Medicare.gov – Live Chat

Medicare.gov Live Chat is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except for some federal holidays.

You can also call Medicare at (800) MEDICARE or (800) 633-4227). TTY users can call (877) 486-2048.

If you have called (800) MEDICARE but still need help, ask the 1-800-MEDICARE representative to send your question or complaint to the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman (MBO. The MBO staff helps make sure that your questions or complaints are resolved.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIPs) offer local, personalized counseling to people with Medicare and their families. It provides free information and counseling to help you with your Medicare questions. This includes your benefits, coverage, premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance. It will help you find information regarding the filing of claims and complaints like grievances. It will also help with appeals or joining or leaving a Medicare Advantage Plan, any other Medicare health plan, or Medicare Part D Drug Plans. You can locate information for your local SHIP office here.

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Ron Elledge
Medicare consultant and expert, seniors advocate, and author

Ron Elledge is an accomplished Medicare agent, planner, and author. Elledge earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible theology from International Seminary and spent 30 years in pastoral ministry. He began his current career in insurance with a specialty in Medicare in 2008 and has since authored “Medicare Made Easy: What Expats, Frequent Travelers and You Need to Know” and is often a featured speaker at the International Living conferences. Elledge is a contributor to International Living, supporting Medicare beneficiaries with articles, podcasts, and Q&As.

“A licensed seniors market insurance agent in Arizona and New Mexico, Elledge has helped thousands decipher the intricacies of Medicare rules and regulations, enabling them to make educated selections for their health care needs. As a world traveler with his wife, Shelli, Elledge specializes in Medicare for expats and frequent travelers. He’s up to date with Medicare regulations, coverage options, and enrollment protocols and is fervent in his resolve to present trustworthy data on this confusing and often maligned program.

“By obtaining dependable details on how to read their Medicare options, recipients can plan for it correctly and make the best choices,” says Elledge. “These choices often make a huge financial and emotional difference in their futures. When Medicare is correctly utilized, it becomes a powerful financial and medical tool for all who qualify.”

ron square headshot
Ron Elledge
Medicare consultant and expert, seniors advocate, and author

Ron Elledge is an accomplished Medicare agent, planner, and author. Elledge earned a bachelor’s degree in Bible theology from International Seminary and spent 30 years in pastoral ministry. He began his current career in insurance with a specialty in Medicare in 2008 and has since authored “Medicare Made Easy: What Expats, Frequent Travelers and You Need to Know” and is often a featured speaker at the International Living conferences. Elledge is a contributor to International Living, supporting Medicare beneficiaries with articles, podcasts, and Q&As.

“A licensed seniors market insurance agent in Arizona and New Mexico, Elledge has helped thousands decipher the intricacies of Medicare rules and regulations, enabling them to make educated selections for their health care needs. As a world traveler with his wife, Shelli, Elledge specializes in Medicare for expats and frequent travelers. He’s up to date with Medicare regulations, coverage options, and enrollment protocols and is fervent in his resolve to present trustworthy data on this confusing and often maligned program.

“By obtaining dependable details on how to read their Medicare options, recipients can plan for it correctly and make the best choices,” says Elledge. “These choices often make a huge financial and emotional difference in their futures. When Medicare is correctly utilized, it becomes a powerful financial and medical tool for all who qualify.”

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