My Medicare.gov [Information repository] – Organization Tool for Caregivers

A valuable tool for those assisting elders requiring care is the www.MyMedicare.gov web site. The site helps you organize doctors, medicines, and medical history. We must be sensitive to privacy but having this information in one convenient site enables more efficient care. The website is available 24/7. Also, it is possible to search for various medical and related non-medical service providers.  The information requires a user name and password (created at web site account application). A caregiver can identify themselves as a caregiver, thus fully disclosing their relationship to the patient receiving Medicare assistance when applying for a web site account. The following tasks can be completed on the site:

• Track health care claims
• Order a duplicate Medicare Summary Notice (“MSN”) or replacement Medicare card.
• Check Part B (Medical provider insurance coverage) deductible status.
• View eligibility information.
• Track the preventive services available (probably a bigger issue in the future).
• Find information about hie or her Medicare health or prescription drug plan, or search for a new one.
• Keep his or her Medicare information in one convenient place.
• Sign up to get the “Medicare & You” handbook electronically.

If you have further questions about the MyMedicare web site call 1-800-MEDICARE.