Helpful Medicare Resources

Medicare

To get general or claims specific Medicare information and important telephone numbers. If you need help in a language other than English or Spanish, say “Agent” to talk to a customer service representative 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

• 1 800 MEDICARE (633 4227)
• TTY 1 877 486 2048
• www.medicare.gov
• Sign Up for Medicare
• Medicare Enrollment Forms
• Help with Drug Costs - Extra Help
• Medicare and You Handbook
• Choosing a Medigap Policy: A Guide
• Request to Lower IRMAA
• Medicare Rights & Protections
• How to File a Complaint? (Grievance)
• How do I File an Appeal?

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
To get free personalized Medicare counseling on decisions about coverage; help with claims, billing, or appeals; and information on programs for people with limited income and resources. In California these services are provided by HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program).

• 1 800 434 0222
• Medicare Counseling (HICAP)
• Call 1 800 MEDICARE to get the telephone numbers of SHIPs in other states.

State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAP)
Some states offer a state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP) to help their residents pay for prescription drugs. Each program works differently. In California we have the Prescription Drug Discount Program for Medicare Recipients.

• CA Prescription Drug Discount Program for Medicare Recipients

Social Security
To get a replacement Medicare card; change your address or name; get information about Part A and/or Part B eligibility, entitlement, and enrollment; apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs; ask questions about premiums; and report a death.

• 1 800 772 1213
• TTY 1 800 325 0778
• www.ssa.gov
• Sign Up for Medicare
• Looking for a local office?
• Help with Drug Costs - Extra Help
• Understanding Extra Help
• Apply for Extra Help

Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid Program)
Medi-Cal is adminstered at the County level. Use the phone number for general information or the links to find contact information for your County office.

• 1 800 977 2273
• Medi-Cal Member Helpline
• Medi-Cal County Offices
• Medi-Cal Useful Resource Links
• Medi-Cal Income Limit Eligibility Standards
• Medi-Cal Asset Limit Eligibility Standards

Coordination of Benefits Contractor
To get information on whether Medicare or your other insurance pays first and to report changes in your insurance information.

• 1 800 999 1118
• TTY 1 800 318 8782

Department of Defense
To get information about TRICARE for Life and the TRICARE Pharmacy Program.

• 1 866 773 0404 (TFL)
• TTY 1 866 773 0405
• 1 877 363 1303 (Pharmacy)
• TTY 1 877 540 6261
• www.tricare.mil/mybenefit

Department of Health and Human Services
Office of Inspector General—If you suspect Medicare fraud.

• 1 800 447 8477
• TTY 1 800 377 4950
• https://oig.hhs.gov

Office for Civil Rights
If you think you were discriminated against or if your health information privacy rights were violated.

• 1 800 368 1019
• TTY 1 800 537 7697
• www.hhs.gov/ocr

Department of Veterans Affairs
If you’re a veteran or have served in the U.S. military.

• 1 800 827 1000
• TTY 1 800 829 4833
• www.va.gov

Office of Personnel Management
To get information about the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program for current and retired Federal employees.

• 1 888 767 6738
• TTY 1 800 878 5707
• www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance

Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
If you have benefits from the RRB, call them to change your address or name, check eligibility, enroll in Medicare, replace your Medicare card, and report a death.

• Local RRB office or
• 1 877 772 5772

Quality Improvement Organization (QIO)
To ask questions or report complaints about the quality of care for a Medicare covered service or if you think your service is ending too soon. Call 1 800 MEDICARE to get the telephone number for your QIO.