Medicare 911 - Where to turn when you need help.

Re-enrollment season for Medicare and Part "B" brings questions and sometimes confusion. Are you adequately covered? Are you going to fall between the cracks because you forgot something important?

What if you signed up for a new plan and you discover it won't work for you? What if you were pressured into signing something you don't fully understand? Do you have recourse or do you have to live with the consequences?

1. "I need help understanding how part D works?" If you want an overview of your Medicare options visit the interactive Medicare counselor at the non-profit Medicare Rights Center  "MI Counselor uses easy-to-understand language and timely information to help you learn the ins and outs of Medicare". This interactive counselor can answer the most common questions seniors have about their coverage.
2. "How can I get unbiased information and sign up for a plan in a safe place?" Compare part "D" and Medicare advantage plans on your terms at the Medicare.gov web site. You can quickly find and compare plans and view your current coverage online. You can also view plans by state and compare coverage options.
3. "I can't pay for my Medications" Once again you can visit the MRC for a by-state list of Medicaid resources, counselors and special discount programs. Or click here for a list of drugs by name and programs which can provide free or deeply discounted medications. For help now call the Social Security administration at 1-800-772-1213. If you qualify Medicare may pay for all of your prescription drug costs.
4. "Help! I got pressured into signing up for a plan!" Call medicare at 1-800-633-4227 for live help or visit the Medicare FAQ page.