FAQ

An Authorized Representative is a person you choose to assist you with Medicare-related matters, such as:

• Choosing a plan to participate in
• Gathering more information about your insurance plan/policies for research and decision making purposes
• Handling claims and/or payments
• Receiving a notice in connection with an appeal on your behalf, and review/submit personal medical information when working with associated appeals.

Sometimes, you may have other insurance that pays your health care bills first, while Medicare pays second. Medicare is the secondary payer when the following insurance is available: auto insurance, homeowners insurance, commercial insurance plans, group health plans under certain conditions, Black Lung benefits and Worker’s Compensation. If no current primary insurance is listed on the Primary Insurance tab within the Plans & Coverage section, Medicare is your primary insurance.

Before completing your IEQ, you should have the following information available:

• Your insurance card, for insurance company and prescription drug information
• Your employer’s name and address (if you receive group health plan coverage through your employer)
• Your spouse’s Social Security number, employer’s name and address, and the group health plan information (if you receive group health plan coverage through your spouse’s employer)
• Your family member’s Social Security number, employer’s name and address, and the group health plan information (if you receive group health plan coverage through your family member’s employer)
• The associated insurance carrier information, employer name and attorney information, if you are receiving benefits or treatment for one of the following conditions
• Black Lung benefits
• Workers’ Compensation benefits
• Injury or illness for which another person could be held responsible
• Injury or illness covered under no fault, automobile or liability insurance

If you get benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board, you are automatically eligible for Medicare starting the first day of the month you turn 65. If you are under 65 you are eligible to receive Part A benefits under the following circumstances:

• You have been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance for more than two years.
• You have permanent kidney failure (end-stage renal disease requiring ongoing dialysis or a kidney transplant. You have been diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease).