Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with end-state renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant). Medicare helps with the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care. Some individuals eligible for Medicare may also be eligible to receive Medicaid, a program administered at the state level.

Medicare has three parts:

Part A, which is hospital insurance that helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility (following a hospital stay), some home health care and hospice care.

Part B, which is medical insurance that helps pay for doctors' services and many other medical services and supplies that are not covered by hospital insurance.

Part D, which is prescription drug coverage. Everyone with Medicare can get this coverage that may help lower prescription drug costs and help protect against higher costs in the future.


The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program. However, the Social Security Administration determines entitlement to Medicare benefits and issues replacement Medicare cards.

The Medicare Website can help answer questions you may have about Medicare coverage or services or you can call their toll free number at 1-800-Medicare (1-800-633-4227).

I hope the resources below will be helpful to you in your search for information.

My office is happy If you are having a specific problem with Medicare that you cannot resolve and need assistance, please print out my Authorization Form and fax or mail it to my office.

Medicare Basic Resources
Medicare Website
Helpful Contacts
Medicare Publications
Medicare Online Booklet (SSA)
Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Social Security Medicare Frequently Asked Questions
Your Medicare Benefits
2005 Premium Cost Information

Medicare Eligibility
Requirements to Receive Medicare Benefits
Medicare Eligibility Tool

Medicare Card
About your Medicare Card
Replacing a Medicare Card
How to Report a Change of Address

Medicare Coverage/Services
Medicare Coverage Information
Medicare Participating Physician Directory
Medicare Supplier (Services/Products) Directory

Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Plan Choices
Medicare Personal Plan Finder
What is Medigap (Supplemental Insurance)
Choosing a Medigap Policy

Prescription Drugs
Medicare Prescription Drug Plan
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
Frequently Asked Questions about Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage

Medicare Billing
How to File a Claim
Claims Forms and Instructions
Medicare Summary Notice (MSN)

Medicare Appeals
How to File an Appeal
Medicare Appeals Forms
Appeals of Local Coverage Determinations (LCD)

Preventative Care Services
Preventative Care Services Available with Medicare
Healthy Aging for Older Americans
NIH Senior Health
MedlinePlus Seniors' Health Issues Resources

Long-Term Care
Medicare Long-Term Care Information
Steps to Choosing Long-Term Care
Types of Long-Term Care
Paying for Long-Term Care
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
MedlinePlus Nursing Homes Resources
MedlinePlus Assisted Care Resources
Medicare Home Health Compare
MedlinePlus HomeCare Services Resources
MedlinePlus Caregivers Resources
MedlinePlus Alzheimers Caregivers Resources

Other Resources
Administration on Aging
BenefitsCheckup
Eldercare Locator-Community Assistance for Seniors
FirstGov for Seniors
MedlinePlus Medicare
MedlinePlus Financial Assistance


I recently moved to another state. How do I update my address with Medicare?

Although I am able to walk, I have a difficult time walking long distances. Would Medicare allow payment for a wheelchair or Power Operated Vehicle (POV)?