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Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program. CMS contracts with and regulates Medicare health plans and Medicare private fee-for-service organizations.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to ask questions or get free informational booklets. You can call this national Medicare helpline 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY users should call 1-877-486-2048.
- Go to the Medicare Web site, www.medicare.gov, for up-to-date information about Medicare and tools to help you compare Medicare Advantage plans and prescription drug plans in your area.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for some individuals with low incomes and limited resources. Some people with Medicare also are eligible for Medicaid. Most health care costs are covered if you qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Medicaid has programs that can help pay for your Medicare premiums and other costs, if you qualify. - Call (608) 266-1865 (TTY users: (608) 221-5720) or write to: Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, 1 West Wilson Street, Madison, WI 53702. You can also go to www.dhfs.wisconsin.gov/medicaid.
MetaStar
MetaStar is the federally funded quality improvement organization of doctors and health professionals in Wisconsin that reviews medical care and handles certain types of complaints from patients with Medicare. MetaStar handles complaints about quality of care and complaints from Medicare patients who think the coverage for their hospital, skilled nursing facility, home health agency or comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation stay is ending too soon. - Call (608) 274-1940 or 1-800-362-2320 or write to: MetaStar, 2909 Landmark Place, Madison, WI 53713. You can also go to www.metastar.com
Railroad Retirement Board
If you get benefits from the Railroad Retirement Board, you can call your local Railroad Retirement Board office or 1-800-808-0772. TTY users should call (312) 751-4701. You also can go to Web site www.rrb.gov. Social Security Administration
The Social Security Administration provides economic protection for Americans of all ages. Social Security programs include retirement benefits, disability benefits, family benefits, survivors' benefits and benefits for the aged, blind and disabled. - Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users: 1-800-325-0778) or go to Web site www.ssa.gov.
State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance (OCI)
OCI performs a variety of tasks to protect consumers and ensure a competitive insurance environment. OCI issues licenses for the selling and marketing of insurance products in the state and maintains insurer compliance with state laws and rules. You can turn to OCI for information on available insurance programs, consumer choices and special insurance issues. You also can receive assistance with filing a complaint or reporting fraud. - Call (608) 266-3585 or 1-800-236-8517 (WI Relay 711) or write to: State of Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, 125 South Webster Street, Madison, WI 53702. You also can go to Web site www.oci.wi.gov.
Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care / SHIP
The Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care is a state organization paid by the federal government to give free health insurance information and help to people with Medicare. “SHIP” stands for State Health Insurance Assistance Program.
You can receive assistance with your Medicare rights and protections, get help making complaints about care or treatment or get help straightening out problems with Medicare bills. You also can get information about Medicare Advantage plans and Medigap (Medicare supplement insurance) policies. - Call 1-800-242-1060 or write to: Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care, 1402 Pankratz Street, Madison, WI 53704.
- Go to Web site http://ongtermcare.state.wi.us/home for the Wisconsin Board on Aging and Long Term Care.
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