How to Understand Medicare Benefits

Medicare is a government-sponsored health insurance available to people 65 and older or who have a qualifying disability. Administration of Medicare is through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Medicare's website, Medicare.gov, offers a wealth of information, tools and downloadable documents to help understand all aspects of Medicare benefits.

Instructions

• 1

  Read the "Medicare & You" handbook provided to Medicare recipients from CMS. This handbook is a lengthy guide to Medicare benefits and includes answers to frequently asked questions. A copy of the handbook is also available online for download (see Resources).

• 2

  Call CMS at 800-MEDICARE and speak with a customer service representative. Representatives can answer questions and help you understand Medicare benefits, eligibility, costs, coverage and claims.

• 3

  Review Medicare's frequently asked questions online at Medicare.gov (see Resources). The site categorizes popular answers and allows you to type in a question or word to search for your answer. With almost 700 topics, as of December 2010, this information will help you better understand Medicare benefits.

• 4

  Visit Medicare.gov and click "Medicare Basics." A drop-down menu will appear displaying a choice of sections including Medicare overview and information on Part A-D, eligibility and enrollment and claims information. The website also has tools such as a Medicare plan finder by ZIP code, policy comparison, online enrollment and doctor and hospital locators.

• 5

  Ask your doctor for help understanding your benefits. Your doctor likely has a billing specialist or nurse who can help you navigate and explain your Medicare benefits.

• 6

  Call or visit the websites of national medical health insurers such as United HealthCare and Humana to inquire about plans they may offer. Many major insurers offer affordable alternative plans to Medicare-eligible individuals.