Medicare Administration
Whether you are brand new to Medicare or have been a beneficiary for years, we have resources that will help you navigate this complex system.
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Medicare Administration FAQ’s
Medicare Reimbursement
Except on rare occasions, you should not have to file for reimbursement from Medicare.If you have Original Medicare, your provider will send your claims directly to Medicare, which will pay your provider according to the established reimbursement...
Replace Your Medicare Card
If you need your Medicare card replaced, call the National Social Security Hotline at (800) 772-1213.You can also visit your local Social Security office, or make the request online at SSA.gov. Be ready with your Social Security number, date of birth and...
Moving to a New State
You do not need to change your Original Medicare coverage if you move to a new state. However, you will need to notify your current health care provider, so you can transfer your medical records.Beneficiaries may use any doctor or hospital that accepts...
Renewing Your Medicare Plan
While you do not need to renew your Medicare coverage, it is a good idea to review your coverage annually.This typically holds true for Original Medicare, Prescription Drug Program plans and Medicare Advantage plans. As long as you keep paying your...
Introduction to Health Insurance
Health insurance (sometimes called health coverage) pays for some or all of the cost of the health services you receive, like doctors’ visits, hospital stays, and visits to the emergency room. It helps keep your health care costs predictable and...
Basics of COBRA
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law passed in 1986 that lets certain employees, their spouses, and their dependents keep group health plan (GHP) coverage for 18 to 36 months after they leave their job or lose...
Am I Eligible for COBRA?
You are eligible for COBRA if both of the following conditions apply:You are enrolled in job-based insurance (employer group health plan) where COBRA appliesAnd, you have a “qualifying event” (such as termination of employment) that causes you to lose...
Medicare and COBRA.
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) is a federal law passed in 1986 that lets certain employees, their spouses, and their dependents keep group health plan (GHP) coverage for 18 to 36 months after they leave their job or lose coverage for...
Can You Extend COBRA Coverage if You Become Disabled
If you develop a disability within the first 60 days of getting COBRA coverage, you and your family may be able to extend your COBRA by 11 months, to a maximum of 29 months.In this case, you must tell your COBRA insurer that you developed a disability no...
COBRA Coverage Ending
Your COBRA coverage may be terminated if:You become eligible for MedicareYou reach the maximum coverage limitYou do not pay your COBRA premiums on timeYou become eligible for another job-based insurance plan (employer group health plan) that does not have...
Part D and FEHB drug coverage
Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) prescription drug coverage is creditable for Medicare-eligible retirees. This means that if you are enrolled in FEHB, you can delay Part D enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty (LEP). Be sure to...
The Basics of TRICARE for Life (TFL)
TRICARE is a health insurance program provided by the federal government to active duty and retired military personnel and their family members. There are many different TRICARE programs. TRICARE for Life (TFL), a program for Medicare-eligible military...
Part D and TFL drug coverage
TRICARE for Life (TFL) offers a pharmacy program that provides creditable drug coverage. This means that if you are enrolled in the TFL pharmacy program, you can delay Part D enrollment without incurring a late enrollment penalty (LEP). Be sure to compare...
The Basics of VA Benefits
If you are a veteran–meaning you served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for a required period of time and received an honorable discharge or release–you may be eligible for Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits. VA benefits are administered by the federal...
VA Benefits and Making Part B Enrollment Decisions
You can have both Medicare and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but Medicare and VA benefits do not work together. Medicare does not pay for any care that you receive at a VA facility.In order for your VA coverage to cover your care, you must generally...