Medicare Assistance
Medicare is the nation's federal insurance program that pays for covered health care services of qualified beneficiaries. It was established in 1965 under Title XVIII of the Social Security Act as a federal entitlement program to provide health insurance to individuals 65 and older, and has been expanded over the years to include permanently disabled individuals under 65.
Medicare consists of four distinct parts:
- Part A (Hospital Insurance, or HI) covers inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing care, and home health and hospice care.
- Part B (Supplementary Medical Insurance, or SMI) covers physician services, outpatient services, and home health and preventive services. The SMI trust fund is funded through beneficiary premiums.
- Part C (Medicare Advantage, or MA) is a private plan option for beneficiaries that covers all Part A and B services, except hospice. Individuals choosing to enroll in Part C must also enroll in Part B.
- Part D covers prescription drug benefits.
You can visit the official Medicare website by clicking here. If you would like assistance in understanding Medicare, visit the Tennessee State Health Insurance Assistance Program website or your local Social Security office.
Open Enrollment
For information on the enrollment period and special enrollments click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between Medicare and Medicaid?
- I lost my Medicare card. How do I get a new one?
- How do I get the Medicare forms that I need?
- What does "medically necessary" mean?
- When is the Medicare General Enrollment Period?
Need additional help with a Medicare issue?
If you would like additional help with a Medicare issue, please print out my Privacy Release Form and fax or mail the completed document to my office nearest you in Tennessee. The fax number is (615) 896-8218. If you have any questions, feel free to call my office at (931) 854-0069.
