The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) manages Medicare’s official website, Medicare.gov. This site is a hub for beneficiaries in the national health insurance program and includes online tools, information, and a member portal, MyMedicare.gov. Below, we’ll introduce you to the most useful parts of Medicare.gov to ensure you get the most out of your visits.
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Navigating Medicare.gov
When you first visit Medicare.gov, you may feel overwhelmed with options. So, how do you best utilize your time on this site? We’re here to help!
It’s important to know what your goals are for visiting the site. Do you want to know general information about Medicare, or more specific information regarding your coverage? This will determine whether you’ll need to create an account on MyMedicare.gov before accessing the information you want.
Basic information is available on the website, including the costs associated with Medicare, which change annually. The site also makes Medicare forms available in PDF format, in both English and Spanish. If you find your questions aren’t answered on the site and need more help, you can use the 24/7 live chat feature.
Medicare.gov Tools
There are several useful tools on Medicare.gov. Additionally, you don’t need to create an account to utilize any of the below options.
The first tool we’ll discuss is the Medicare Plan Finder. You can use this tool to shop for Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans, and even enroll online.
Next, Medicare’s Care Compare Tool recently got a makeover. Rather than the previous, separate tools for beneficiaries to find local facilities and doctors accepting Medicare, there is one tool for all types for providers.
When visiting Medicare.gov, go to the link to Find Care Providers and you will see eight provider categories, including doctors and clinicians, hospitals, and nursing homes. Once you select the category you need, you can search and compare those in your area.
The Procedure Price Lookup tool displays the average dollar amount a patient on Medicare pays for specific outpatient services (without a Medicare Supplement plan). Simply navigate to the link to Compare Procedure Costs on the site’s menu. Then, search for the service you may need.
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The tool shows a breakdown of the national average for the cost of each procedure at an ambulatory surgical center or hospital outpatient department. The breakdown includes doctor fees, facility fees, and what Medicare pays.
Lastly, CMS offers a free, official app – What’s Covered. Using this app, beneficiaries can search for various services to see if Medicare covers them. This information is also available via the search bar on the Your Medicare Coverage page of Medicare.gov.
What Can I Do on MyMedicare.gov?
MyMedicare.gov is where you sign up for an account to access information about and manage your Medicare benefits. Here, you can do the following.
- Check the status of your Part A and Part B claims from the past 15 months
- See how close you are to reaching your Part B deductible
- View your eligibility and entitlements
- Access information about your prescription drug plan
- Update your personal health information
- Select paperless options, such as for your Medicare Summary Notice and Medicare & You handbook
Further, you can utilize Medicare’s Blue Button to download your personal data and claims from your Medicare account. You can choose which data you want to save as a PDF or TXT file and share it with your practitioners using a compatible app.
FAQs
How to Get More Assistance with Medicare
We hope you now feel more comfortable navigating Medicare’s official website and signing up for an account at MyMedicare.gov. Through your research, you may find that the prices for your upcoming procedures are high – even with Medicare coverage. In this case, you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement plan.
While Medicare.gov is the official resource for your Part A and B coverage, we specialize in Medigap. Medicare.gov can show you which Medicare Supplements plans are available to you but sends you to each company’s website to get a quote.
At MedicareFAQ, we provide quotes for the top carriers in your area – in one place. Your time is too valuable to spend clicking from one company’s website to the next, trying to compare plans. Instead, call the number above or fill out our online rate form.
We also help with Medicare Advantage and Part D plans. When you sign up with us, our client care team is here to assist you with your coverage, year after year.
I currently have a deduction of $ 4.00 monthly due to late enrollment Medicare prescription drug plan.
I applied for a exemption of this penalty on November 9 2021; I’d like to know the result of my application.
Sincerely,
Betty I Fang
Betty, unfortunately Medicare does not have a timeline when reviewing penalty appeals. If you would like the most up-to-date information regarding your appeal, calling Medicare directly would be your best option.
In December 2021, I received a Medicare Premium Bill for which I paid $77.90. I expect to continue paying a premium every month, but I have not received a Medicare Premium Bill for the current month. When and how can I expect my next Premium Bill?
I have seen nothing in e-mail or regular mail.
Susan, you can always check your Medicare status online at MyMedicare.gov or call your local social security office for clarification.