Medicare Customer Service Issues

I've been trying for two days to enroll in the enhanced dental and vision package for myself and my husband. The process has led to transfers, disconnections, and long waits. Yesterday, after half a day on the phone, I received a form that I couldn't download. Today, I've been on hold since 8:30 a.m. If I can't speak to someone in the next ten minutes, I will be sending a certified letter tomorrow. We are with Anthem BC/BS as senior advanced "Blue" members.

As a retiree from the Department of Defense enrolled in the FEHBP, I have not yet signed up for MEDICARE but am being billed a $[redacted].60 premium. With multiple dependents, my monthly FEHB plan costs exceed $1,[redacted], making the added MEDICARE premium a financial strain. I never opted for MEDICARE and cannot afford it at this time. How can I address this issue without jeopardizing my future access to MEDICARE benefits?

In [redacted], I utilized Silverscript for my Part D prescriptions. I have now enrolled in Humana Rx for Part D coverage in [redacted]. I am unsure of the correct process to cancel my Silverscript plan, as they currently charge my credit card monthly. I want to ensure that I am not billed by them in January. Different responses have left me confused: some say I need to disenroll, while others claim that Medicare will automatically handle the switch without any action required from me. Could someone clarify this for me? Thank you, Judith E. [redacted]

I utilized Silverscript for my Part D prescriptions in [redacted]. I have now enrolled in Humana Rx Part D for [redacted]. How do I go about canceling my SilverScript subscription? They had permission to charge my credit card monthly, and I want to ensure I am not billed in January. I have received contradictory information on whether I need to disenroll manually or if Medicare will automatically update my information after switching providers. Can someone clarify this process for me? Thank you, Judith E.

I recently had an MRI done at Spectrum Healthcare Group, but the results were not useful to my doctor as the images were unclear. After being referred to another MRI facility out of town, the second scan provided the necessary clarity. I have now received bills for both MRIs, but Medicare has covered the costs. I believe Medicare and I should not be charged for the first MRI, only the second one that yielded the useful results. Both MRIs were conducted by Spectrum Healthcare Group, and I believe only the second one should be billed. What steps should I take in this situation?

I have been using an insulin pump for years and need monthly insulin supplies for it. Recently, Walgreens mistakenly billed Humana Part D instead of my medigap Plan F for the past two years. Now, Humana wants their money back, and Walgreens is charging me $89 for the difference between Medicare and my State Farm Gap Policy F. I'm unsure how to proceed to get my money back and sort out the billing between Walgreens and my insurance. State Farm suggested reaching out to Medicare to ensure proper payment under Part B. This situation is complex, as my pump has been incorrectly paid for by Medicare in the past. Seeking guidance on resolving this issue promptly.

For the past two years, my Medicare card has not been functioning correctly despite my efforts to address it through phone calls and in-person visits. Unfortunately, all attempts have been unsuccessful, leading me to submit all my claims manually online instead of having the reimbursements sent directly to my debit card. This situation is causing me significant frustration, and I am feeling overwhelmed by trying to resolve it. Working full time leaves me with limited availability to address this issue by making additional calls or visits. I am eager for a resolution to this problem but feel at a loss for what else I can do to fix it.

I, Walter Britt, a member of BCBS Medicare + Blue PPO under end #[redacted], purchased a walker on 11/6/[redacted] from Apothecary Shop in Lansing, MI. Initially, I was charged a $12.48 co-pay for the walker. However, there was an additional charge of $71.97 on my US Bank credit card, ending in #[redacted], which I have disputed. I have not received a bill from Apothecary Shop regarding this extra amount, and they have not provided sufficient proof that it is a valid co-pay. I am seeking clarification on the total cost of the walker, the Medicare coverage for this expense, and my true co-pay amount. My December statement from BCBS Medicare only reflects the $12.48 payment initially mentioned.

I recently received an advanced bladder cancer diagnosis through a CT scan. Unfortunately, all my appointments with the urologist have been canceled. As a dual enrollee in Medicare and Medicaid, I face challenges with transportation, and my request for extra help from the SSA was denied. Living in a rural area with unreliable public transportation, we are struggling with utility bills, taxes, and the medical crisis at hand, risking homelessness. It's difficult to access support from organizations like the American Cancer Society due to the limited services in our area. With the current lockdown and limitations due to Covid-19, seeking a definitive diagnosis and advocating for my husband's life-saving treatment has become even more challenging. The local hospitals may soon be overwhelmed, but it feels like cancer patients are being neglected amidst this crisis. Facing such a life-threatening illness alongside the pandemic is a harsh reality to confront.

At 62 years old and dealing with diabetes, COPD, and sleep apnea for 30 years, my CPAP machine broke a month ago. Unfortunately, I am currently ill and unable to attend a sleep study, despite having a prescription from my pulmonologist. Medicare won't cover a new CPAP machine without a sleep study within 60 days. This situation is exacerbated by the pandemic, as leaving the house poses a risk to both myself and others. With a long history of sleep studies and a crucial need for the CPAP machine, I urgently require assistance.

While walking with a friend, I was accidentally bumped by a man in a golf cart, resulting in injuries to my head and face. After being helped up by a few individuals, I went to see a doctor in Starke, FL. The doctor was concerned about infection and administered a tetanus shot. However, Medicare is now stating they do not cover the cost of the shot (CPT-[redacted]). I contacted Medicare, and they claim they never received a claim for it. I have a copy of the denial from Starke Family Medical Center, where the shot was given. I am puzzled as to why Medicare would not cover this essential medical treatment considering we pay for Medicare monthly.

My Medicare record indicates a claim with Sedgwick from over 5 years ago that I cancelled. Despite notifying both Sedgwick and Medicare multiple times, the issue persisted until recently resolved after numerous calls to Medicare. Surprisingly, my doctor's office is now inquiring about this old claim, which I never pursued due to deciding it was unnecessary as I had no health concerns at the time. I urge for this outdated Sedgwick claim to be removed from my Medicare history promptly to prevent its recurrence.

I have been waiting for months to receive a letter to reset my questions for applying for Medicare online. I've made three requests for the letter and was informed it was sent on August 16, but it has not arrived even after an additional two weeks. The difference in cost between paying $[redacted]/month and $[redacted]/month for Medicare is significant for me as I currently do not have a job. My 65th birthday was yesterday, and the delay in receiving the letter is causing me anxiety about potentially missing out on lower premiums. Despite providing the necessary information over the phone, I was not given access to change my questions during my previous call with Social Security. I hope this issue gets resolved soon. Thank you.

I have never received a bill from THOP East Campus until now. I am being contacted to pay my overdue balance of $96.02. The email states that all information provided will be used to collect the balance owed. If I have already made the payment, I can disregard the notice. However, I am having trouble logging into the site as my Medicare information is not recognized. Any assistance would be appreciated.

Hello, I am a federal retiree who has maintained my FEHB plan. I will be turning 65 in March and I am aware of the 7-month enrollment period for Medicare. I am considering sticking with Medicare Plan A, but I'm unsure if it would provide enough coverage and if I would need to pay a monthly premium. Additionally, I am contemplating delaying my Social Security application until age 66. Would this decision impact my Medicare plan, considering that premiums are deducted from Social Security benefits? Thank you.

I am seeking assistance from a Medicare agent for multiple concerns regarding our Medicare plan selection for [redacted]. While residing in WA state, we had a Medicare Supplement plan in [redacted], which served us adequately, but we encounter challenges due to our disabilities. I rely on a hearing aid with limited coverage options, and health issues like Colitis and past brain bleeds have impacted my ability to work as a Clinical Psychologist since [redacted]. My husband, facing cognitive issues, can't drive and is being evaluated at the University of Washington in Seattle. Despite trying to find affordable options, we struggle with our 16 combined prescription medications on a monthly income of approximately $[redacted], which includes Medicare costs and drug plans. Our aim is to eventually move back to MN for family support, but financial constraints hinder our plans. Our experience with medical costs, bankruptcy, and the complexities of Medicare Advantage plans have been overwhelming.

My husband is currently at a rehabilitation center and is scheduled for discharge on 11-10-20. Today, they conducted an oxygen test and it was determined that he will need oxygen upon his release. However, there seems to be an issue with billing Medicare as it states that worker's compensation should be billed first, and Medicare second. Although my husband had a worker's comp claim in [redacted], it was meant to be closed. Urgently seeking assistance in resolving this matter as he must be discharged on 11-10-[redacted]. Unfortunately, he does not have a phone, so I am reaching out on his behalf as his wife. Appreciate any guidance on how to navigate this situation promptly.

I recently spoke with someone from Humana who informed me about the Humana Care Gold Plus package. They mentioned that as a Medicaid recipient, I qualify for this plan with no monthly premiums, all my current doctors covered, and no copays. The plan includes benefits like seeing any specialist or using any pharmacy without a copay. They also mentioned covering transportation to various places, in-home care, and more. I requested to receive detailed information by mail to review. When inquiring about Life Alert, I was abruptly dismissed by an agent. Talking to a caregiver service, they mentioned that many patients signed up with Humana and had a different experience than promised. I'd appreciate a call to clarify the situation before the coverage starts on January 1.

I did not enroll in Medicare Part B when I turned 65 back in [redacted]. My understanding is that there is a 10% penalty for every 12-month period that I missed signing up. I recently chatted online to inquire about this, but the response I received did not seem accurate, especially regarding the potential 50% penalty. I was advised to call back, which I did, but I have been waiting on hold for 1 hour and 23 minutes so far. Despite them claiming to offer 24/7 support, I experienced a 20-minute wait when I initially called in, and they suggested going online for information, which hasn't been helpful. I am aware that December 7th is the deadline for this matter.

I am frustrated by the inconsistencies in the system. Why do they provide cost of living adjustments only to claw it back through Medicare? I don't understand why Medicare offers less coverage than Medicaid. Additionally, it's puzzling why disability is given when initially applying for Social Security but not when becoming disabled later on. I don't currently receive any of these benefits, and as someone with a low income, the rising cost of living is unmanageable. The system seems to favor the inactive and neglects hardworking individuals like myself.