Services from Medicare Rights Center Hotline.
Senior citizens as well as the disabled can receive information from the Medicare Rights Center. The non-profit runs a free Helpline (see number below) in which these individuals can call to get questions on their health care needs answered. The staff can also refer people to various medical programs, such as for acquiring prescriptions from Patient Assistance Programs, Medicare Part B, and more.
Services from the Helpline
First of all, all of the information is provided for free. There is no cost to use it. All of the services are confidential as well, and there is no obligation from the individual on following the advice. So there is no commitment at all needed from the caller.
The Medicare Rights Center will only support the clients that the non-profit targets. This will be a person with a disability or their caregiver. Other people that can use this service include the elderly or older adults. Many of these individuals live on a fixed income and it can be very challenging to keep up with the ever increasing costs of medical expenses. It is a national Helpine and is available across all 50 states.
When placing a call, it may be answered by either full time staff members or highly trained volunteers. Various topics will be addressed, including some or all of the following.
If an individual is currently receiving some form of Medicare or government benefits, they can go over what exactly their benefits currently cover and what type of bills are paid for. This type of support will empower the patient so they know what rights they have when it comes to dealing with their health care provider. It will also answer questions on dental coverage as well.
Families that are not currently enrolled in Medicare may also call the Hotline as well. In these cases a screening process will take place. The individual should be prepared with information such as their income, type of disability, medical condition, and much more. The more information that is given to the team at Medicare Rights Center the more successful they will be in finding a solution. As noted, the process is confidential.
Based on what is discovered, the client can be referred to a program for their need. If they want to enroll into Medicare, then they can be linked to a local application site. The Center may also provide suggestions on the application process.
The end result is the patient can use Medicare coverage when seeking accessing the health care they need. There are various parts of each, such as Part D which can help pay for prescription drugs. Another lesser known part is Extra Help, and this also helps with medications.
Medicare Rights Center can also provide information on the other components, including Part A for hospitals or C, the Advantage Plans. All of this forms of federal government insurance can help older people or seniors with their medical needs. There also tends to be a focus on directing patients to programs that offer free prescription medications, as those expenses are increasing even faster than other medical costs.
The savings can really add up. There have been instances in which a low income senior citizen has saved thousands of dollars per year on their medical bills as result of the Medicare Savings Program. Others that live on a fixed income, such as the disabled on SSDI, are also major beneficiaries. Many individuals with a disability have also be able to understand how the Affordable Care Act can benefit them.
Additional referrals and counseling is also provided by the Hotline. They have information on non-profits or state resources. Callers can learn about discount cards, local federally qualified community clinics, Patient Assistance Programs from manufactures, medical bill advocates, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs and places for surplus pills. No matter the need, the Hotline may have referrals.
Support may be provided in local towns and cities as well as part of Medicare Minute. There are thousands of seniors across the country that are able to stop by a site to hear a presentation. Sessions are held at Aging and Disability Resource Centers, community action agencies, Senior Centers, and many other spots. This allows face to face communication in which questions are answered and/or referrals are given.
Contact the Medicare Rights Center
For more information, the toll free number is 1-800-333-4114.
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