How to Verify Benefits for Medicare

Medicare is federal government-sponsored health insurance for people age 65 or older or for those younger with a qualifying condition. Medicare management is through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. The program covers a portion of health care expenses and most Medicare beneficiaries carry supplemental private health insurance. You can verify Medicare benefits several different ways. Doctors will check beneficiary eligibility prior to providing services or submitting claims for reimbursement.

Things You'll Need

• Social Security number

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Instructions

• 1

  Go to medicare.gov and locate the "Medicare Eligibility Tool." Input your date of birth and marital status and a series of other questions to determine your Medicare eligibility. Widow or widowers must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and cannot use this tool.

• 2

  Visit mymedicare.gov and create an account or log into your existing account. You will find a great deal of personalized information about your Medicare benefits. You can verify services, confirm eligibility and plan details.

• 3

  Call 1-800-MEDICARE to verify benefits for Medicare. Representatives can provide verification and information about Medicare benefits, eligibility, services, coverage and claims. Have your Social Security number available when you call.

• 4

  Check your Medicare application status using Social Securities' "Application Status Information" if you applied for Medicare benefits online. The retirement and Medicare online application is the same. You will need your Social Security number and the confirmation number provided when you first applied.

• 5

  Register for the Medicare HETS 270/271 system if you are a provider or authorized billing agent to verify your patient's Medicare eligibility and benefits. Visit the CMS website for more information on how to connect and use the system.