more
medicare resources

This downloadable (PDF) brochure provides a variety of Medicare information for Arkansas residents, including definitions, enrollment information, and SHIP contacts.

This online guide from the Alaska Division of Insurance helps readers to evaluate Medicare choices, providing an overview of Medicare plans, a guide to shopping for Medigap plans, consumer protection tips, and more.

List of prescription assistance programs in Virginia, areas served, and contact information. Includes low-income subsidy through Social Security, state pharmacy assistance, prescription drug discount, state-wide company sponsors.

The Administration on Aging works to develop a coordinated and cost-effective system of home and community-based services that helps the elderly maintain their health and independence in their homes and communities.

This program works on behalf of elderly Arkansas residents who may become the victims of neglect or abuse, or have dementia and neglect their own needs.

An extensive guide to caregiving issues affecting seniors and their families, presented by Barbara E. Friesner, a recognized author, educator and consultant on senior care issues.

Links to ADRC’s, which  provide information on Medicare-funded programs, their benefits, assistance determining eligibility and enrolling. Includes Medicare Savings Programs and extra help with Medicare Part D  costs. Also connection to other aging services in West Virginia.

Directory of aging services programs such as Medicare counseling, homemaker services, discounted meals, in-home respite care.

Aging Solutions provides information to help caregivers find reliable information quickly, providing advice, a variety of articles, symptoms of major conditions, comprehensive checklists, a glossary of terms, and links to key resources.

Aging Waiver is a Utah state program to help frail seniors stay in their homes.  Site provides information on eligibilty, enrollment and services.

Medicare resources (state health insurance assistance program) and more for Alabama’s older population.

This is an online document that contains links to the Alabama State Health Insurance Program, (SHIIP) and the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP).

The state/federal program that pays for medical and long-term care services for low-income pregnant women, children, certain people on Medicare, disabled individuals and nursing home residents – has income and other requirements.

Information about Alaska’s aged and disabled Medicare beneficiaries, such as enrollment, demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), spending, other sources of health coverage, managed care participation, and use of services.

This State of Alaska Web site provides Medicare information for the state’s residents, including links to the official Medicare site and contact information to reach elected officials.

The Alzheimer’s Association provides a collection Medicare-related links as well as links to care providers and related financial matters.

American Eldercare Research Organization provides a Resource Locator Tools that helps families and caregivers find the means to pay for and reduce the cost of long term care for their loved ones.

The ASA works to enhance the knowledge and skills of older adults and their families, and offers information on a variety of aging-related topics.

Site provides information on applying for Medicare benefits in Vermont and a link to a tool to apply.

This flyer from the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) offers a free benefits checkup to Wisconsin residents and referral to benefit and financial assistance information.

Find a local agency in any Arizona county that can direct you to a variety of services specifically for the elderly.

Directory of Area Agencies on Aging by location in Utah. Includes contact information. Area Agencies on Aging help link seniors to aging services and help determine eligibility.

Search by zip code to find your Area Agency on Aging in Virginia.

Search by keyword and zip code for specific services to include: assistive technology, bill paying services, caregiver support, credit counseling, health care and insurance, homemaker/chore/companion services, Medicaid and other state programs, nutrition/food assistance, respite care, personal care, self advocacy.

The Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) utilizes retired professionals as volunteers in the education of their Arizona peers in safeguarding the Medicare and Medicaid programs.

A free health benefits counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries, families or caregivers. For more information, you can contact the statewide hotline 24 hours a day at 1-800-432-4040. Leave a message and a SHIP Volunteer will call you back.

Arkansas’ Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) is a health insurance information program that provides free one-on-one counseling, education, and information to individuals with Medicare of all ages.

A federal government site devoted to fighting Medicare fraud and including links to tools, videos, press materials, and contact numbers for reporting Medicare fraud.

Fill out this online form, answer 13 questions and find out what services are available to older Arizonans and disabled adults.

An on-line tool to determine what Medicare benefits and Medicare wrap-around benefits you are eligible for in West Virginia.

Benefits.gov was launched in an effort to provide citizens with easy, online access to government benefit and assistance programs. The program’s mission is to reduce the expense and difficulty of interacting with the government while increasing citizen access to government benefit information. The site’s core function is the eligibility prescreening questionnaire or “Benefit Finder.” Answers to the questionnaire are used to evaluate a visitor’s situation and compare it with the eligibility criteria for more than 1,000 Federally-funded benefit and assistance programs. Each program description provides citizens with the next steps to apply for any benefit program of interest.

Find out about federal and state assistance programs that help you pay for medical expenses.

Bill paying services are for older adults or people in Virginia with disabilities who need help with budgeting or paying bills.  List of programs and services, associated costs and link to more information.

Brochure explaining Medicare supplemental plans and the companies that sell them in Arkansas.

CHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to Medicare advocacy and education for Californians.Its web site provides information about Medicare benefits and long-term care for people who live in California.

This a non-profit organization is dedicated to Medicare advocacy and education, providing information about Medicare benefits and long-term care for people who live in California.

Caregiving.com is a resource that offers insights, information and inspiration to family caregivers. The web site was listed as one of the best resources on the Internet for family caregivers by Modern Maturity magazine, the publication of American Association of Retired Persons, and as a resource for seniors in Business Week magazine.

The west Viginia Bureau of Senior Services provides a directory of aging services programs that address issues such as nutrition, home-based care, basic living needs, and referral to Medicare-funded senior services.

The Center for Medicare Advocacy is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that focuses on the needs of individuals eligible for Medicare by providing education, advocacy and legal assistance.

The official site of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides a wealth of information about Medicare and Medicaid programs as well as a variety of related topics, including updates on health reform.

The page, from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers information about Medicare and other resources and focuses on the American Indian or Alaskan native.

This is a pdf. fact sheet provided by CMS. Each state is listed.

Information about the Medicare Part D prescription drug “donut hole” and a $250 rebate.

The federal government’s official source of answers to Medicare-related questions.

Links to resources for seniors including Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol (Advocate in cases of Medicare fraud); a prescription drug  hotline, and legal services for citizens 60 and over.

Colorado Senior Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries with questions about Medicare.

The Congress of California Seniors focuses on legislative and consumer issues that impact older adults and serves as a major progressive voice for seniors, their families and their communities.

The Congress of California Seniors site offers basic information about Medicare and helpful tips on buying insurance.

Connecticut CHOICES Program – provides free counseling for Medicare beneficiaries with questions.

Link to centers that provide information on local services and resources like in-home care, respite, senior and low-income housing, counseling on long-term care options, financial assistance with Medicare, Medicaid and other financial support, as well as help determining eligibility and enrolling. Medicare-funded programs, their benefits, assistance determining eligibility and enrolling.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Disability Benefit Specialist Program answers questions and solves problems related to Medicare, Social Security, health insurance and other public and private benefits for people with disabilities.

Division of Health Care Financing and Policy – Medicaid works in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist in providing quality medical care for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and limited resources.

A schedule of presentations on Medicare fraud for Vermont consumers, including descriptions of topics and link to locations and times.

A worksheet from the University of Wisconsin that helps families estimate caregiving expenses and plan for the financial expenses of caregiving.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services devotes a section of its site to end stage renal disease resources.

Family Caregiver Alliance is a public voice for caregivers, illuminating the daily challenges they face, offering them the assistance they so desperately need and deserve, and championing their cause through education, services, research and advocacy.

A regular blog that provides commentary, resources and tips for Baby Boomers and their aging parents.

Download this publication of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services and U.S. Department of Justice.

This site, posted by the Utah Department of Human Services, provides information on adult protective services, health insurance information, legal services  and nutrition counseling. Answers questions about eligibility, services, and where to go to to tap into the  service.

A list of important health care phone numbers, including the Medicare main number, Medicare counseling, state assistance, Social Security, benefits information, fraud inquiries and more

This guide, from Rhode Island’s Department of Human Services, helps consumers decide what health coverage fits them best, and provides an overview of Medicare plans, benefits, out-of-pocket costs, etc.

HealthInsight is the peer review organization serving the State of Utah.Peer Review Organizations are non-governmental, physician-sponsored organizations contracted with Medicare to monitor the hospital Prospective Payment System and perform utilization and quality review functions.

Contacts to help Texas residents locate Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) in their area.

Find financial assistance to help pay for medical costs through programs that include Medicaid, MSPs (Medical Savings Programs), SPAPs (State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs, and Extra Help /Low-Income Subsidy.

The Health Services Advisory Group helps health care organizations improve quality and provides information for Medicare consumers on its Web site.

Details on the Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders program, a government health insurance counseling service for individuals seeking information about South Carolina health insurance programs.

Examples of insurance fraud; tips to protect yourself from Medicare Part D and Advantage fraud; contacts and instructions for reporting fraud.

The Utah Department of Human Services provides this list of  services that may be available, such as homemaker, chores, adult day care); eligibility and contact information.

Educates and assists South Carolina Medicare beneficiaries, those eligible for Medicare, and caregivers about Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, pharmacy assistance programs, and other issues related to health insurance benefits.

This site provides an overview of Medicare A, Medicare B, supplements to Medicare, downloadable supplemental insurance, home- and community-based waivers, low-income Medicare beneficiary program, qualified Medicare beneficiary program, and long-term care insurance.

A guide to Medicare resources in Texas, compiled by the Texas Department of Insurance. Includes information about prescription drug coverage, Medicare fraud, Medicare Advantage, and other counseling information.

Iowa’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program – can provide answers to questions on Medicare, Medicare supplement insurance, long term care insurance and other health insurance issues.

Wheatlands Administrative Services, a new subsidiary of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, conducts Medicare business on behalf of the state.

A toolkit that allows South Carolina Medicare recipients to track information about their plans to reduce chances of being a victim of fraud.

This list, on Rhode Island’s Division of Elderly Affairs web site, provides the names and contact information for Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) sites in Rhode Island.

A service that aids Arkansas nursing home residents.

South Carolina’s program to advocate for residents in long term care facilities.

This web page, found on the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s web site, provides detailed information about long-term care in Pennsylvania, including FAQs, a list of insurance companies selling long-term care plans, information about Pennsylvania’s Act 51 (granting the right to appeal an insurance company’s determination when a benefit trigger is not met), and other consumer resources.

This site provides information on long-term care insurance in Utah to include costs, long-term care insurance policies, benefits, consumer protections, and tips on choosing a long-term care policy.

The Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) seeks resolution to problems and advocates for the rights of residents of Utah long-term care facilities. This site enables you to find an ombudsmen near you.

Medicaid in New York State works in partnership with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to assist in providing quality medical care for eligible individuals and families with low incomes and limited resources.

Medicaid eligibility for seniors.

The Social Security Administration’s electronic guide to Medicare.

The official U.S. government Medicare consumer handbook.

A look at the Affordable Care Act’s implications for Medicare, including the intent and impact of provisions to reduce overpayments to private carriers that contract with the federal government to offer Medicare Advantage plans. The document also looks at Medicare Advantage enrollees and prospective enrollees and how they’ll be affected by reform’s provisions.

Explains Part C of Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans in Washington state, searchable by county for 2011

Medicare Advantage plans in Washington state, searchable by county for 2012.

Options under Medicare Advantage plans in Wisconsin, including Medicare Advantage prescription plans; where to go for help, and complain form.

The Texas Department of Insurance guide to Medicare Advantage in Texas, including information about beneficiary rights and consumer tips.

A guide to your appeal rights and information about how to appeal any decision regarding your Medicare services. Links to appeals forms.

Find out if Medicare covers your test, item, or service in Wyoming.

Gives guidelines to help chose best plan, helpful phone numbers, access to Medicare & You Handbook, and referral to Medicare Extra Help program, Medicare counselors, and other resources.

This site lists all Vermont Area Agencies on Aging and provides contact information. Area Agencies on Aging help seniors locate Medicare programs, determine eligibility and enroll. Also provided educational programs on enrolling in Medicare including Medicare Part D.

SHIP Volunteers offer FREE one-on-one assistance-and-counseling with respect to many problems seniors encounter regarding Medicare, supplemental health insurance and long-term care options.

State government resources for Californians needing help with Medicare and other government health insurance programs on federal, state and local levels.

State government resources for Californians needing help with Medicare and other government health insurance programs on federal, state and local levels.

This site provides one–on–one counseling to Medicare beneficiaries and their families and education about how to spot and report Medicare errors, waste and fraud.

A reference guide from the Medicare Rights Center.

A list of Arkansas locations where Medicare recipients can enroll in Medicare and get information and supplemental plans and alternatives.

General information and contacts for South Carolina Medicare recipients.

Explains the prescription drug benefit under Medicare.

Help with Medicare Part D, prescriptions and the low-income subsidy.

List of assistance by South Dakota county.

Medicare.gov’s searchable database of health care providers.

Medicare.gov’s tool allows you to search and compare coverage options available in your area.

View Medicare plans and formularies in your area.

This resource from the Arizona Department of Economic Security explains how much you’ll pay in different situations for Medicare premiums.

A comprehensive list of out-of-pocket charges for Arkansas Medicare beneficiaries.

Hundreds of answers in one convenient place. A comprehensive guide to Medicare health insurance, a Medicare glossary and links to all the other best Medicare sites on the Internet.

The Medicare Rights Center is a national, nonprofit consumer service organization that works to ensure access to affordable health care for older adults and people with disabilities through counseling and advocacy, educational programs and public policy initiatives.

Ways to help pay for the costs of Medicare coverage and medical care for elders.

This webpage, found on the Pennsylvania Insurance Department’s website, contains information on the Medicare Supplement plans available in Pennsylvania, deductible information, and benefits covered by each plan.

This page from the Pennsylvania Insurance Department contains information about Medicare Supplement plans available in Pennsylvania, deductible information, and benefits covered by each plan.

An interactive map of Pennsylvania where one can find events, included enrollment centers, related to Medicare.

Medicare.gov is the U.S. government’s compendium of Medicare-related information, including up-to-date information about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medigap, Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage and beyond.

The official U.S. government site provides a variety of resources, including plan and eligiblity information.

Search for Medicare-related publications, including “Medicare & You 2010,” “ 2010 Choosing A Medigap Policy: A Guide To Health Insurance For People With Medicare,” “Women and Heart Disease,” “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home,” and “Your Medicare Benefits.”

This brochure published by the Arkansas Insurance Department explains adjustments to Medigap in 2010.

This state-wide toll-free number provided by the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care, can help you evaluate your Medicare supplemental insurance and clarify many other related, and sometimes confusing, issues

The Medigap Helpline is a free counseling service for Medicare beneficiaries, answering beneficiary questions. The site also offers information about Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D), Medicare supplemental insurance, and other heath insurance information.

An interactive portal containing personalized information for Medicare enrollees.

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a) is the leading voice on aging issues for Area Agencies on Aging and a champion for Title VI Native American aging programs. Through advocacy, training and technical assistance, the organization supports the national network of 629 AAAs and 246 Title VI programs.

A site that provides information and resources to help families plan for long-term care needs.

The National Clearinghouse for Long-Term Care Information was developed by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide information and resources to help seniors and their families plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs.

The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit service and advocacy organization headquartered in Washington, DC. Our mission is to improve the lives of older Americans.

This site offers information related to all aspects of aging, including "elders" and "caregivers" pages that provide information and assistance on supportive services available in the community.

The National Family Caregivers Association educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the more than 65 million Americans who care for loved ones with a chronic illness or disability or the frailties of old age.

The National Family Caregivers Association provides a broad range of resources for family caregivers, from information on agencies and organizations that provide caregiver support, to communicating effectively workshops.

This site provides information on congregate meals and home-delivered meals for Utah’s seniors. Information includes other nutrition-related services such as nutritional assessment and counseling.

Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) calendar of events where general information is provided on Medicare, open enrollment, and Medicare insurance counseling is offered

South Carolina’s program to provide Medicare coverage to children 18 and under who live in families with income at or below 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Level

Information about Pennsylvania’s Medicare beneficiaries, including enrollment, demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), income, other sources of health coverage, managed care participation, use of services, etc.

Links to information on Medicare Part D, Medicare drug discount card, phRMA patient assistance programs.

Review a collection of common situations faced by Medicare policy holders who are considering prescription drug coverage.

This 2010 fact sheet (the most recent available) details who within the Medicare D plan is available for the Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Elderly (RIPAE) program, which subsidizes the cost of prescription drugs based upon income.

This site, on Rhode Island’s Division of Elderly Affairs web site, lists all the programs and services available to seniors, families, and caregivers.

Site provides a downloadable form for reporting Medicare fraud, instructions, and contacts for more information.

Information about Rhode Island’s Medicare beneficiaries, including enrollment, demographics (age, gender, race/ethnicity), income, other sources of health coverage, managed care participation, and use of services, etc.

Assists elders and caregivers to find aging and adult disability services in South Carolina communities.

Educates and assists Medicare beneficiaries, those eligible for Medicare, and caregivers about Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap, pharmacy assistance programs, and other issues related to health insurance benefits.

Senior Health Insurance Benefit Advisors Program – services for Idaho citizens on Medicare.

An Arkansas health insurance information program that provides free one-on-one counseling, education, and information to individuals with Medicare of all ages.

Information on how Medicare recipients can identify, resolve and/or report possible billing errors, fraud, abuse and waste to the state.

seniorresource.com is a comprehensive source of housing information and services for seniors and their caregivers.

Contact information for local counselors who help South Carolina Medicare recipients understand their benefits.

Descriptions of the various types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Arizona.

This section of the Alabama Department of Insurance Web site provides information about Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) and long-term care insurance for Alabama’s senior citizens. The site includes a list of plan providers and plan details.

Assists people insured by private health plans, Medicaid, or other plans in resolving problems pertaining to their health coverage; assists uninsured residents with access to care.

List of services for adults and elders.

List of resources on Medicare supplement policies available to South Dakotans.

Medicaid eligibility for Medicare recipients in South Dakota.

A list of plans in South Dakota.

Information for Medicare recipients on how to prevent Medicare fraud and avoid becoming a victim of it.

This site links to programs providing information about Medicare benefits, Medicare supplement insurance companies, supplement plans and monthly rate comparisons, long-term care insurance plans, and help with Medicare costs.

Directory of SHIBA advisors throughout Washington State who provide information about Medicare health care coverage and access. Access to Insurance Consumer Hotline to assist with questions or complaints, locate health insurance polices, and refer the uninsured and underinsured to other options.

This Medicare Protection Toolkit contains information Alabama beneficiaries need to protect their Medicare.

A guide to Medicare supplemental insurance premiums specifically for South Dakota residents.

Links to Texas benefits counselors can explain Medicare prescription drug coverage and assist you with other insurance issues.

HHS Secretary Kathy Sebelius release a report on Medicare fraud prevention and discuss new efforts to fight fraud using new tools provided by the Affordable Care Act.

A press release from HealthReform.gov outlines Medicare fraud prevention tools and provisions of the Affordable Care Act that expand consumer protections.

Next Step in Care provides practical advice and easy-to-use guides for both providers and family caregivers that focus on transitions between hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, and home.

Explains the basics for South Dakota residents.

Medicare, Medicaid and long term health insurance information.

List of local state health insurance assistance programs (SHIP) in Vermont, contact information, and partnering organizations. SHIPs provide one-on-one counseling and outreach, to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Help recipients understand, utilize and enroll in Medicare prescription drug coverage, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare supplemental insurance policies, Medicare Savings Programs, long-term care insurance and financing, and other public and private health insurance coverage options.

Maps to locate aging services center in Virginia by county. These organizations connect you with a range of aging services to help you remain independent or for other long-term care supports.

Financial assistance (up to $16,000, based on needs) to qualified nursing facility residents including Medicare beneficiaries. Site provides information on in-home and community supports to help nursing home residents move into their communities.

Links to local areas agencies on aging for access to aging services, including Medicare funded programs and contact information for advocacy for Medicare beneficiaries.

Site references and explains Medicare errors, gives specific examples, and provides links to Watchdogs for Medicare fraud.

To find a benefits specialist in your area to help older adults with disabilities to understand and access Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, FoodShare, low-income housing and health insurance.

This downloadable document provides a guide to Medicare in Wisconsin, including basic overviews of Medicare, Medicare Part D, Medicare supplement policies, plus links to other programs like Wisconsin state health assistance insurance program, a glossary of terms and a Medicare Supplement policy checklist.

Information on avoiding Medicare fraud and scams as well as information on Medicaid and social security.

Prescription drug assistance for Wisconsin residents 65 years of age or older, including Medicare beneficiaries. Description of plan benefits, eligibility information and an application form.

Map of, and information on, Aging Disability Resource Centers in Wyoming that assist with determining eligibility and enrollment in aging services programs. Programs include home care, help with daily living skills, transportation, and other  supports to facilitate independent living.  Includes Wyoming ADRC locator map.

Explains Medicare and Medicare supplements, including a chart showing services covered, amount Medicare pays and what you are responsible for paying.

Highlights Medicare plans, their options and required coverage, including Medicare Savings Program, Low Income Subsidies, and Medicare Drug Assistance programs.

Information on eligibility, how to apply, and contacts for Wyoming prescription assistance.

Links to information and contacts for Medicare Patrol (identify fraud), general state health insurance information, and long-term care ombudsmen.

54-page U.S. government booklet explains the services and supplies covered under Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.

A brief, bullet-point guide to what people covered by Medicare have a right to do and ask for from their providers, what health services they have guaranteed access to, etc. The list is written by Healthcentric Advisors, a Rhode-Island based non-profit providing consulting, education, resources and quality improvement services in the healthcare industry.

This section of the Arkansas Insurance Department site answers Medicare-related questions sent in by Medicare beneficiaries.