Medicare Benefits - Your rights and the appeal process

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Web Sites Answer Questions About Medicare Benefits

Here are two sites that can help you with Medicare Benefits questions and help you advocate for yourself or a loved one if you feel that you are being denied benefits unfairly.

The Medicare Rights Center is rich in resources and has booklets that address many common issues including how to access hospice benefits. You also can learn about policy issues involving Medicare. A hotline lets you call and speak directly with a staff member about your own particular questions or issues. The hours of operation are given at the website http://www.medicarerights.org .

The Center for Medicare Advocacy focuses on the needs of Medicare beneficiaries, people with chronic conditions, and those in need of long-term care. The organization is involved in writing, education, and litigation activities of importance to Medicare beneficiaries nationwide. There is a variety of information and resources available at the site and publications that can be ordered. Information about the difference between Medicaid and Medicare benefits also can be found at http://www.medicareadvocacy.org/, and individuals can call for help with specific issues.