Medicare Help, Help With Medicare Details Medicare Resource Center

Confused by Medicare Here' s a List of Resources That Can Help

If you feel confused by Medicare (a normal reaction shared by many), it helps to learn more about how the program works and/or to get personal help in figuring out your options and making choices that meet your needs and preferences. Here are some sources:

For more information

“” (Wiley/AARP, October 2017), has comprehensive consumer information about Medicare.

AARP’s consumer guide to the Use the resources on the to read the "Medicare & You" handbook, find a doctor, compare hospitals, compare the details of Part D and Medicare Advantage plans, check coverage and much more.

Check out the for information on Medicare eligibility, enrollment, higher-income premiums and Extra Help.

For a Spanish version of this article, go .

For personal help

Social Security Administration: Call 1-800-772-1213 for help with Medicare eligibility and enrollment, Part B premiums, Part D Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs.

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services: Call Medicare’s customer service line at 1-800-633-4227 for help on Medicare coverage issues and to compare Medicare options and plans.

State health insurance assistance program (SHIP): Trained counselors in every state offer personal help on all Medicare and Medicaid issues for free. To find the main toll-free phone number of your SHIP office, visit the or call 1-800-677-1116. Note: If English is not your first language, you can ask Social Security, Medicare and your SHIP to provide someone who can translate information into your own language during talks with them, free of charge. Patricia Barry is the author of 3rd edition (Wiley/AARP, October 2017). Editor's note: This article was updated with the latest edition of Medicare for Dummies. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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