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Resources on the Web
The web is an excellent tool for finding
information on health care topics. Below you will find descriptions and
links to valuable websites. These sites have information ranging from
general health-related topics, like programs and services for seniors,
to more specific information on long-term care and prescription drugs.
If you don’t have a computer, your local library or senior center may be
able to help you find the information you need. Medicare does not
sponsor these websites, but you may find them helpful.
Access America for Seniors
The Access America for Seniors website is designed to help seniors
conduct business online—easier and faster—with federal agencies. Go to:
www.seniors.gov
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Consumer Resources
AARP is a non-profit, nonpartisan membership organization for people age
50 and over. It provides information and resources; advocates on
legislative, consumer and legal issues; assists members to serve their
communities; and offers a wide range of unique benefits, special
products, and services for its members. Go to:
www.aarp.org
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Administration on Aging |
The Administration on Aging (AoA) website provides a wide range of
information for older Americans and their families as well as those
concerned about providing opportunities and services to enrich the lives
of older persons. The AoA website has links to various state directories
that can help locate support services for older people on a local level,
including the Directory of State Agencies on Aging, the Directory of
State Long-term Care Ombudsman Programs, the Directory of Area Agencies
on Aging, and the Eldercare Locator. The website also has information on
retirement and financial planning, news releases, health topics for
seniors, caregiver resources, and links to other websites. Go to:
www.aoa.gov
Consumer
Consumer is the first website with one-step access to federal consumer
information including information on health and health care quality. Go
to: www.consumer.gov
FirstGov for Seniors
FirstGov for Seniors is the first government website to provide the
public with easy, one-stop access to all online Federal Government
resources and state websites for seniors. It also includes information
on topics like health, travel and leisure, work and volunteer
opportunities, education and training, and more. Go to:
www.firstgov.gov
Healthfinder
The Healthfinder website is run by the U.S. Department of Health and
Human Services. It offers consumer information from the Federal
Government and its many partners. Healthfinder can lead you to selected
online publications, databases, websites, and support and self-help
groups, as well as government agencies and not-for-profit organizations
that produce reliable information for the public. Go to:
www.healthfinder.gov.
Participating Physician Directory
| The national Participating Physician Directory contains names,
addresses, and specialties of Medicare participating physicians who have
agreed to accept “assignment” on all Medicare claims and covered
services. |
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Assignment is an agreement between
Medicare and doctors, other health care providers, and suppliers of
health care equipment and supplies (like wheelchairs, oxygen, braces,
and ostomy supplies). Using
doctors and suppliers who agree to accept assignment can save you money.
Note: Assignment only applies if you are in the Original Medicare
Plan. It does not apply if you are in a Medicare Managed Care Plan or
Private Fee-for-Service Plan. Go to:
www.medicare.gov and select the “Participating Physician Directory.”
Prescription Drug Assistance Programs
There are programs that may offer you discounts or free medication. For
more information, look at www.medicare.gov on the web. Select
“Prescription Drug Assistance Programs.” If you don’t have a computer,
your local senior citizen or library may be able to help you get this
information. Or, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and
ask for information about these programs. TTY users should call
1-877-486-2048.
Note: If you are considering signing up for your state’s
Prescription Drug Assistance Program and you haven’t yet purchased a
Medigap policy, get your Medigap policy before you apply for
prescription drug assistance because after you get the assistance you
may not be able to purchase a Medigap policy.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA website provides information on more than 570 topics in its
searchable database. Some of the services you can complete online
include the following: Apply for social security retirement benefits;
request a replacement Medicare card; obtain 2003 cost of living
information; replace, correct, or change your name on your Social
Security card; get benefits information publications; request a Social
Security statement; and find a local Social Security office. Go to:
www.ssa.gov
Supplier Directory
The Medicare website has a new Supplier Directory that provides
beneficiaries (or interested users) with contact information for
Medicare participating suppliers in their area. The Supplier Directory
includes the name, address, telephone number, and information on the
specific type(s) of supplies being offered by Medicare’s participating
suppliers. Go to:
www.medicare.gov and select
“Supplier Directory.”
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To get this booklet in English or
Spanish, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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TTY users should call
1-877-486-2048.
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Para obtener este folleto español,
llame gratis al:1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
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TTY 1-877-486-2048 para
personas con impedimentos auditivos o del lenguaje oral.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND
HUMAN SERVICES
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, Maryland 21244-1850
Official Business
Penalty for Private Use, $300
Publication No. CMS-02231
Revised August 2003
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