Medicare

• Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Division: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Phone Number: (800) 633-4227
• Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Staff is available through the automated phone system at all times except Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish.

Medicare Part D Enrollment sites are available to assist seniors age 65 and older with their prescription drug questions and with signing up for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Enrollment assistance is also provided if you have a disability and are enrolled in Medicare.

Enrollment sites can assist you if you are having problems with the drug plan you selected. They will also help if you have just become eligible for Medicare or will become eligible for Medicare soon.

Telephone and in-person counseling is available. Most offices require an appointment for in-person assistance.

What to Bring

You should bring the following to your appointment:

• A list of current prescriptions (You should get this from your pharmacist.)
• Medicare card
• A recent benefit/award letter from Social Security Administration
• Any other letter received about prescription drug coverage

Get a list of enrollment sites.

National Medicare Help Line

You can get Medicare Part D enrollment assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, through the National Medicare Help Line. You can also make a complaint about fraud or drug plan marketing.

Online

Learn more about Part D prescription drug coverage.

By Phone

Recorded information is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Customer service representatives are also available 24/7, except on holidays.

Once you are connected, say “Drug Coverage” when prompted. After recorded information, live agents will be available.

• Agency: United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Division: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
• Phone Number: (800) 633-4227
• Business Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
• Staff is available through the automated phone system at all times except Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish.

• Agency: Office of Labor Relations
• Division: NYC Medicare Advantage Plus Plan Hotline
• Phone Number: (833) 325-1190
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 8 AM - 9 PM

The Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP/SHIP) offers free counseling to seniors and people with disabilities on:

• Medicare enrollment
• Comparing and selecting a Medicare plan
• Enrolling in a Medicare plan
• Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC)
• Medicare Prescription Drugs (Medicare Part D)
• Medicare Part A, Part B, and Part D
• Medicare Advantage/Medicare Health Plans (HMO, POS, PPO, SNP)
• Medicare Saving Programs (including QMB, SLMB, and QI)
• Dual eligible (Medicare and Medicaid)
• Medigap/Medicare Supplement insurance
• Medicare Preventive Services
• Part D Extra Help/Low Income Subsidy (LIS)

You can get this counseling by phone. You can also make an appointment for in-person assistance.

HIICAP only assists with Medicare and related health insurance questions. HIICAP does not provide assistance with paying medical bills.

Online

Learn more about HIICAP.

By Phone

Call 311 for assistance.

• Agency: United States Social Security Administration
• Phone Number: (800) 772-1213
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 7 PM
• Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.

What To Do If You Have Recently Moved

If you have moved recently, you should contact the Social Security Administration (SSA) and make sure the agency has your current address.

Online

Visit "my Social Security account" to verify your address on file with SSA.

In Person

Find a Social Security Office.

By Phone

• Agency: United States Social Security Administration
• Phone Number: (800) 772-1213
• Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 7 AM - 7 PM
• Staff is available through the automated phone system during business hours. Automated assistance is also available in Spanish. Most languages are available through a staff person.

Avoiding Scams and Fraud

Social Security numbers are being removed from Medicare cards to prevent fraud and fight identity theft. Here are some facts you should know to avoid scams:

• Medicare and Social Security never make unsolicited calls, and they never ask you for your Social Security number.
• You do not need to pay a fee to receive your new card.
• Your card will be mailed to you automatically.

Low-income seniors and people with disabilities can get counseling to help determine eligibility and to apply for various Medicare Saving Programs (MSPs). For qualified individuals, the State's Medicaid program will help with paying for the Medicare Part B premium, deductible, and co-payment expenses.

Some examples of available Medicare Savings Programs are:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
• Qualified Individual 1 (QI-1)
• Specified Low-Income Beneficiary (SLIMB)

These programs have different income guidelines and requirements. A counselor will explain the various options to you. You must make an appointment for in-person counseling.

You can also get information about Medicare Advantage plans, but you must contact the plan directly for a complete listing of the doctors, hospitals, and specialists for each plan.

Call 311 for assistance by phone.

Call 311 for assistance.