Additional Resources
Benefits Check Up - www.benefitscheckup.org
A service of the National Council on Aging helps people connect to government programs that provide help paying for prescription drugs, health care, utilities, and other needs.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) - www.cms.hhs.gov
CMS protects and improves beneficiaries’ health and satisfaction as well as promote understanding of CMS programs among beneficiaries, the health care community and the public. The CMS website links you to a wealth of Medicare and Medicaid information including billing and fraud, regulations, HIPAA, legislation and state trends.
Massachusetts Elder Affairs - www.mass.gov/elders
The information provided on this website is designed to assist elders and their families with answers to questions about services and opportunities available to seniors and their caregivers in Massachusetts. This website offers links to other resources including:
- Prescription Advantage is a prescription drug insurance plan available to all Massachusetts residents age 65 and older, as well as younger individuals with disabilities who meet income and employment guidelines. (Click here to access the Prescription Advantage Web site.) 1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) or TTY/TDD 1-877-610-0241
Resources for Massachusetts Seniors - www.800ageinfo.com
1-800-AGE-INFO (1-800-243-4636) or TTY/TDD 1-800-872-0166.
MassHealth (Medicaid) - www.mass.gov/masshealth
To obtain information regarding Medicaid enrollment, eligibility and coverage information for those residing in Massachusetts, contact: 1-888-665-9993. TTY/TDD users should call, 1-888-665-9997. For customer service, call: 1-888-665-9993 (TTY: 1-800-497-4648).
Medicare - www.Medicare.gov
People with Medicare, family members, and caregivers should visit, the Official U.S. Government Site for People with Medicare, for the latest information on Medicare enrollment, benefits, and other helpful tools.
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or
TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
- "Medicare & You" Handbook - This handbook is mailed to everyone with Medicare each fall. You may view or download a copy from www.medicare.gov - under “Search Tools,” select “Find a Medicare Publication.”
- Direct access to the CMS Complaint Form (use this form to provide feedback directly to Medicare about a Medicare health plan or prescription drug plan, including HNE Medicare Advantage; if you would like to appeal an HNE Medicare Advantage initial decision or submit a grievance, we encourage you to contact HNE Medicare Advantage directly: Initial Decisions, Appeals, and Grievances).
- Direct access to the CMS Ombudsman (the Office of the Medicare Ombudsman helps you with complaints, grievances, and information requests).
Social Security Administration (SSA) - www.socialsecurity.gov
To find out if you are eligible for extra help with your Medicare prescription drug coverage, call 1-800-772-1213 or TTY/TTD 1-800-325-0778, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday - Friday.
Click here for a direct link to the SSA Web page - "Help With Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs"
State Health Insurance Program or SHIP - www.shiptalk.org
A national program that offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to people with Medicare and their families.
Note: Massachusetts SHIP, also referred to as SHINE, is located within the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elders Affairs. Contact this program as shown above under the listing for Massachusetts Elder Affairs.
- Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE) provides health insurance counseling services to elderly and disabled adults. SHINE counselors help elders and Medicare beneficiaries understand their rights and benefits under Medicare and other health insurance coverage. Counselors can identify and compare current options and protect clients from paying too much on their medical care. SHINE Counselors also help clients learn how to fill out insurance claims forms and public benefits applications. (Click here to access the SHINE Web site.)
