Nothing is more frustrating than waiting on hold for what seems like hours when you call Medicare, and then when you finally get someone on the phone, you don't have a key piece of information and can't get the answers you need. To help ensure you're prepared for call and can get your questions answered in a timely manner, have this information on hand when you call:
- Date of birth
- Social security number
- Contact information, including emergency contact information
- A list of the prescription medications you take and the dosages
- Names and contact information for your current doctors and other health care providers
- A list of your health conditions and treatments
- A list of medical equipment and supplies such as oxygen, diabetes supplies, wheelchairs, etc.
- Information about current health care coverage, including policy, member and group I.D. numbers (for example, insurance you may have from a former or current employer or union)
- Veteran information (if applicable)
- Railroad retirement information (if applicable)
- Contact information for the nursing home or assisted living facility you reside in (if applicable)
- Bank account information and bank routing number (if you'd like to set up automatic Medicare payments from your bank)
- Medicaid information (if applicable)
Current Medicare recipients should gather:
- Medicare Claim number (10-digit number that appears on the front of your Medicare card)
- Effective date when you first enrolled for Medicare Part A (Date is located on the front of your Medicare card)
- Effective date when you first enrolled for Medicare Part B (Date is located on the front of your Medicare card)