MEDICARE NEWS

August 2008

 

On-line Services from Medicare

 

            Did you know that Medicare has many services available for on-line users?  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is continually increasing their effort to make more information about Medicare and Medicare services available on-line.   By going to www.MyMedicare.gov and following the instructions for registering, a Medicare beneficiary can gain any-time access to their personal Medicare information including: claims submitted to Medicare, their Medicare Summary Notice (which is mailed only quarterly now) and find out which Medicare-covered preventative services they are eligible to receive.

 

The official government website for Medicare (www.Medicare.gov) provides detailed information about a variety of health care services for any region of the country.  In the “Search Tools” section of the home page, one can find extensive information about the availability, quality and cost of health care services provided by hospitals, nursing homes, home care agencies and dialysis facilities. Information is also available on Medicare eligibility, what Medicare covers, finding a doctor or medical equipment provider that accepts Medicare in your area, and long term care planning.  Medicare publications and a variety of health plans can be reviewed.

 

Individuals with questions about accessing Medicare’s on-line tools may contact your local Commission on Aging office or regional office of the Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) at the Area Agency on Aging in Traverse City at 1-800-442-1713.

 

MMAP is the state-wide program which provides free health benefits counseling to Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers. MMAP is funded by a grant from the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging through funding received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services