The Many Features Of The Medicare Blue Button
Medicareâs Blue Button is an online tool you can use to access your health information securely. You can decide to share that information with your doctors, loved ones, or anyone else of your choosing. Itâs available on the MyMedicare.gov site, which helps you keep track of your Medicare claims, and more.
The Blue Button initiative began during the Markle Foundation Work Group on Consumer Engagement meeting in New York City in January, 2010. The meeting included representatives from the private insurance industry, not-for-profit foundations, and the federal government. The discussions centered around one simple idea: give Medicare beneficiaries access to their personal health information to help them make decisions that could improve the quality of their care and health. Within several years, hundreds of private insurance carriers and health-care providers had followed government agencies such as the Veterans Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to add functionality similar to the Blue Button to their websites.
What Is A Mymedicare Account
MyMedicare.gov is Medicares free, secure online service that provides information about your specific benefits and services. Its available 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
Your MyMedicare account lets you check on your Medicare claims more quickly. You wont have to wait until your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice arrives in the mail.
It usually takes only about three days for claims submitted electronically by your doctor or other health care provider to reach Medicare. It takes about five to seven days if they submit the claim on paper.
How Do I Report A Change Of Name Or Address To Medicare
You can view or update your contact information of record via the My Profile Tab on my Social Security, even if you do not receive Social Security benefits. In addition, you can decide when your change of address will take effect. Changing your address on line is the fastest way to get assistance.
You may also report a change of name or address for the Medicare program by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or by visiting your local field office. Addresses and directions to the Social Security field offices may be obtained from the Social Security Office Locator. See the Contacts page for additional information on contacting the Social Security Administration.
You can also get more information on changing your name on the Social Security’s web site.
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Are You Ready To Set Up Your Account
Use this link to register for a MyMedicare Account. You will need to have your Medicare card to find your Medicare number and effective dates.
If you need help in creating this account, you can download our step by step guide to help you.
If you would like someone to walk you through this account creation, please contact us. One of our counselors will call you back and help you with the enrollment.
How Can My Online Account Help During Open Enrollment
Saving a list of pharmacies and names and doses of prescriptions you use regularly can give you a head start when comparing the Part D drug plans in your area. Open enrollment, when you can switch plans for any reason, is Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year, with coverage starting Jan. 1.
When you log in to your online Medicare account, you can click on Confirm Your Drug List | Add Recently Filled Drugs to see a list of the prescriptions you filled in the past 12 months. You can select the ones you continue to take to add to your drug list. That way the list wont include prescriptions you filled only once, such as those for antibiotics.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Log in to your Medicare account when you go to the Medicare Plan Finder. Youll see a summary of your current Part D coverage, and you can use your saved drugs and pharmacies to compare plans. Youll be able to see the total costs of each plan in your area based on premiums, deductibles, and copayments or coinsurance for your specific medications and pharmacies. You also can type the drugs and pharmacies into the Plan Finder if you dont have an online Medicare account.
Comparing your Part D options every year is a good idea, even if youre happy with your current plan. Plans can change their costs and coverage every year, and your prescriptions can change too. Using the drug list from your online Medicare account helps you personalize your search for a plan.
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Go To The Mymedicaregov Account Creation Page
Bring up the MyMedicare.gov account creation page in your web browser. You can do this in two ways.
Enter Medicare.gov in the address bar.
- Look for the Log In button on the top right corner of the site
- From the login screen, click Create an Account Now
Go directly to www.MyMedicare.gov.
- From the login screen, click Create an Account Now
Once you reach the account creation page, a security message appears explaining information collected by the site. You must agree to the message to create a MyMedicare.gov account.
Receiving Your Medicare Premium Bill
If you only have Medicare Part B and dont get your Part B premiums deducted from your benefits, youll receive a premium bill every three months.
If you have to buy Part A or owe Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts , youll get a monthly premium bill. Your bill should arrive by mail around the 10th of the month. Youll have your payment due on the 25th of the month, so pay early to allow processing time.
Whether you prefer making individual payments or enjoy the convenience of automated payment options, Medicare’s online portal has you covered. Sign up for the free MyMedicare.gov service to familiarize yourself with all it offers.
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Understanding Original Medicare Coverage
Original Medicare is government-run medical care and insurance coverage. It uses a fixed price for services a type of managed care. Members have freedom to choose any doctor or hospital in the network. They do not need referrals or special permissions for the majority of available services.
The Original Medicare network is broad ad diverse. It includes thousands of doctors and medical care facilities across the United States.
Your New Brunswick Medicare Card
In order to avoid fraudulent use of duplicate cards as well as support security features, New Brunswick, like many other Canadian provinces, issues one Medicare card per individual.
In the case of a minor child, the card is to be entrusted to the childâs legal parent or guardian.
The goal of the Medicare card is solely to enable eligible New Brunswick residents to obtain insured services. Please carry your signed card with you at all times. A parent or guardian should sign the card for dependent minor children. You must present your signed card to the physician and/or hospital each time you access insured services.
New Brunswick Medicare has the right to terminate your coverage or adjust your expiry date at any time.
A physician who provides a service to an individual who does not have a valid NB Medicare card has the right to bill the individual/parent/legal guardian.
Various government and non-government agencies use the Medicare number for identification purposes or will request it for proof of identification. Your NB Medicare card is valuable but is not a legal piece of identification. We do not encourage the use of the card for other than its intended purpose, which is coverage of insured health care benefits for the named individual under the plan.
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How Do I Manage My Personal Health Information
On MyMedicare.gov, you can update your drug information and health history.
Information that may be stored in your MyMedicare portal includes:
- Height and weight
- Plans and coverage
- Emergency contacts
You can create an On the Go Report that contains your health care information stored in MyMedicare.gov. You can print this report and give it to your health care providers.
You can also keep these reports handy in case of an emergency or when you travel.
Protect Your Medicare Number Like A Credit Card
Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans , or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program .
Say no to scams
Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give us personal or private information. Learn more about the limited situations in which Medicare can call you.
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Mymedicare Accounts Have A Lot Of Other Benefits Too
With this account you can:
- Check your Medicare claims as soon as they are processed.
- See a calendar of preventative services you may be eligible for.
- Check your health and drug plan enrollment information.
- Keep track of your prescription drugs, all in one place.
- View your Part B deductible information.
- Create an On the GO Report that allows you to print your healthcare information to bring with you to doctors and other providers.
- Protect yourself from FRAUD by regularly checking your Medicare account for unusual activity.
You Have Questions We Have Answers
DOES TWIN CITY UNDERWRITERS PROCESS APPLICATIONS ON BEHALF OF CLIENTS?
Twin City Underwriters does process Medicare applications on behalf of our clients. If there are any enrollment issues, we can work directly with the insurance carrier to get them resolved.
HOW DO I KNOW WHETHER IM ELIGIBLE FOR MEDICARE?
There is a lot of confusion around Medicare eligibility. Visit this blog post to learn more.
WHAT DOES MEDICARE COVER?
To learn about the different Medicare plans and what they cover, or to see whether a specific test or service is covered, visit the coverage information page on Medicare.gov.
Are you confused about the different Medicare plans and what they cover? Here are a few blog posts that might help:
How do I choose Medicare drug coverage?
When choosing Medicare drug coverage, think about your needs and priorities, both now and in the future. Do you need coverage for a specific medication? Do you prefer name brand medications, or do you take generics? Do you have minimal coverage needs now, but want peace of mind for the future? With those questions in mind, visit the Medicare drug coverage page on Medicare.gov.
What information do I need when creating a MYMEDICARE.GOV account?
HOW DO I CHECK MY MEDICARE APPLICATION STATUS?
- ZIP code
- Medicare Part A effective date
HOW DO I USE MEDICARE?
HOW DO I COMPARE DOCTORS, HOSPITALS, AND OTHER PROVIDERS?
WHERE DO I FILE A MEDICARE CLAIM?
WHAT IF I HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MEDICARE?
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Medicare Offers Important Choices
Medicare has two paths that subscribers should consider at the outset. They can choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. They represent similar coverage, but one consists of private plans, and the other is government-run. Original Medicare is an open arrangement.Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare.
Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways. They have management styles that can help patients, for example, some provide a primary care doctor. They offer a network that can have lower pricing than similar benefits on Original Medicare. Advantage plans can cost less than Medicare Part B and add prescription drug benefits for an all-in-one combination.
Users can go to any doctor or medical care provider that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans also provide comprehensive coverage but achieves it in different ways. They have management styles that can help patients, for example, some provide a primary care doctor. They offer a network that can have lower pricing than similar benefits on Original Medicare. Advantage plans can cost less than Medicare Part B and add prescription drug benefits for an all-in-one combination.
How To Log In To Mymedicaregov
Once you have a MyMedicare account, you can use it to log in to MyMedicare.gov using the following steps.
You are now logged in to MyMedicare.gov. If you cannot remember your username and password, you can click the links underneath the fields on the log-in page to be reminded of them or set new ones.
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Make Changes To Your Medicare Plan Coverage During The Right Time Of Year
One especially useful time to review your Medicare coverage is during the fall Annual Enrollment Period, or AEP.
The Medicare AEP lasts from every year. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries may do any of the following:
- Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan
- Change from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare
- Switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another
- Enroll in or drop Medicare Part D coverage
- Switch from one Part D plan to another
Outside of AEP, your opportunities to make changes to your Medicare plan can be limited.
Another time you may be able to change your Medicare plan include:
- Special Enrollment Periods You could potentially qualify for a Special Enrollment Period at any time throughout the year, if you meet one of a set of certain circumstances. This can include moving out of the area serviced by your current plan, losing your current plan because it is no longer offered in your area, and a number of other certain circumstances.
How Can I Find My Medicare Number
You can find your Medicare number on your Medicare card. Or you can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account to view your number. You can use this account to not only view your number but print an official copy of your card.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE , TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048, to get your Medicare card or number.
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Checking Your Social Security Status Is Easy If You Know Where To Look
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who is applying for Social Security benefits this year, congratulations! Retirement is an exciting time for many, freeing up your days to spend with friends and family, traveling, finding hobbies, and relaxing away from the workplace.
Once you submit your application, awaiting a response can be nerve-wracking. The good news is the Social Security Administration has a robust offering of online services to help you get the information you need from anywhere, including updates on your Social Security application status.
Here is more information about how to check your status, how to create a my Social Security account, and what the application status shows.
How to check Social Security benefits status
Checking the status of your Social Security benefits is easy all you have to do is log into your my Social Security account. On the My Home page:
You must have a my Social Security account to view the status of your application online. Or, if you can’t check the status online, you can call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also visit your local Social Security office.
Deductibles Copays And Coinsurance
Original Medicare has an annual deductible that in the calendar year 2020 was set at $1,408 for Part A and $198 for Part B. Each Medicare Advantage plan has its list of consumer paid expenses. They include deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and cost-sharing.
These expenses are part of the coverage provided by Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Comparison shopping is a powerful tool for finding the best value in health insurance plans. Consumers can focus on particular features such as out-of-pocket expenses to find the best choice.
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How To Set Up A Mymedicaregov Account
Setting up a MyMedicare.gov account is easy and free. Simply follow these steps:
How To Use Your Mymedicare Account
Once you set up a MyMedicare.gov account, you can start using it almost immediately.
One of the most common uses is to monitor your Original Medicare claims and if youve met your Medicare Part B deductible.
How to Check Original Medicare Claims Using Your MyMedicare Account
- Go to MyMedicare.gov.
- Select the type of claim you are looking for.
- Select a date range from the list.
Youll be able to monitor your Medicare activity and store all your health information in one place where youll have quick access to it.
What Your MyMedicare Account Can Do for You
- Check Medicare plan enrollment and eligibility information
- Check your Medicare claims online
- Monitor the next two years of your scheduled vaccines, screenings or other preventive services covered by Medicare Part B
- Monitor your Medicare Part B deductible
- View your Medicare Part D prescription drug card, select your preferred pharmacies and store your prescription drug ID list online
- Contact your Medicare Part D insurer with questions about its drug formulary
- Update your medical history and drug information online
- Create an On the Go Report of your medical history and drug information to give to doctors or other health care providers
Creating a MyMedicare account also gives you access to Medicares Blue Button and Blue Button 2.0. These online services allow you to easily download and share your Medicare Part A, Part B and Part D prescription drug information.
What Medicare Blue Buttons Let You Do
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