2024 Evidence of Coverage for UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PEBB Balance (PPO) Chapter 2: Important phone numbers and resources 17 Section 2 Medicare (how to get help and information directly from the federal Medicare program) Medicare is the Federal health insurance program for people 65 years of age or older, some people under age 65 with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant). The Federal agency in charge of Medicare is the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (sometimes called “CMS”). This agency contracts with Medicare Advantage organizations, including us. Method Medicare – Contact Information Call 1-800-MEDICARE, or 1-800-633-4227 Calls to this number are free. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY 1-877-486-2048 This number requires special telephone equipment and is only for people who have difficulties with hearing or speaking. Calls to this number are free. Website medicare.gov This is the official government website for Medicare. It gives you up-to- date information about Medicare and current Medicare issues. It also has information about hospitals, nursing homes, physicians, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities. It includes documents you can print directly from your computer. You can also find Medicare contacts in your state. The Medicare website also has detailed information about your Medicare eligibility and enrollment options with the following tools: · Medicare Eligibility Tool: Provides Medicare eligibility status information. · Medicare Plan Finder: Provides personalized information about available Medicare prescription drug plans, Medicare health plans, and Medigap (Medicare Supplement Insurance) policies in your area. Because your coverage is provided by a plan sponsor, you will not find UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PEBB Balance (PPO) plans listed on medicare.gov. These tools provide an estimate of what your out-of-pocket costs might be in different Medicare plans. You can also use the website to tell Medicare about any complaints you have about UnitedHealthcare® Group Medicare Advantage PEBB Balance (PPO):