You can get assistance choosing a Medicare plan from a number of sources.
- Call a Medicare representative
If you wish to speak with someone about all of your Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plan options, then call a Medicare representative at 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-Medicare).
Medicare representatives provide an unbiased perspective of all Medicare plans in your area and you can get a good estimate of your annual drug costs at local pharmacies. If you are considering a Medicare Advantage plan, the Medicare representative can provide an overview of healthcare coverage . A Medicare representative is available 7 days per week and 24 hours a day and can process your enrollment into any available Medicare plan over the telephone.
- Visit the Medicare.gov Plan Finder (or MyMedicare.gov)
The federal government provides an online plan finder tool that will help you review your Medicare plan options. The tool is very comprehensive, allowing you to enter your financial assistance status, your prescription drugs, your pharmacies, and review plans by annual estimated cost. You also have the option of comparing plan options online and printing your results. Some people find the Plan Finder difficult to use due to the vast amount of information provided by the tool. If you feel the Plan Finder is too complex for you, then you can speak with a Medicare representative as mentioned above.
- Call or visit a SHIP counselor
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) volunteers are available to provide an unbiased overview all Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans and can even help you complete your enrollment applications. SHIP representatives are also well trained and have a great deal of experience working with Medicare beneficiaries. If you do not have a local SHIP office, you can also visit a local Council on Aging or senior center for assistance or a recommendation of further help. You can contact your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) by calling toll-free 1-877-839-2675.
- Speak or visit with an Insurance Agent
Insurance agents are well trained to know their Medicare plan's coverage in detail and can provide a personal understanding of their products that you may not find from an online tool. Many people work with the same agent over the years and like the idea of being able to actually know the person who enrolled them into their plan. Insurance agents who market Medicare products must participate in annual training to stay well-informed and their marketing activities are highly regulated by the state and federal government. You can find insurance agents in your area by visiting an agent's local office, looking in the phone book, or asking a friend for a referral. Often the same person who provides your auto or home insurance also offers Medicare plans or can help you find an agent who represents Medicare plans.