The Medicare drug benefit can seem complex and confusing,particularly to those with special needs, like people with cancer. There are many places you can go for help. Below is a list of sources within the federal government that can answer your questions. We also give you a list of outside organizations and the toll-free and local numbers for the SHIP office in your state.

Federal government sources for help

Administration on Aging
Features useful questions and answers section on the prescription drug benefit.
Web sites: www.aoa.gov/medicare
www.eldercare.gov

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
Comprehensive site featuring fact sheets, handouts, regional maps, etc.
Toll-free number: 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
TTY toll-free: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: www.cms.hhs.gov

Medicare
Official US government site for people with Medicare. Serves as a clearinghouse for all information related to the Part D prescription drug benefit.
Toll-free help line: 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE)
TTY toll-free: 1-877-486-2048
Web site: www.medicare.gov

Social Security Administration (SSA)
Provides information about SSA's Medicare outreach.
Toll-free number: 1-800-772-1213
TTY toll-free: 1-800-325-0778
Web site: www.socialsecurity.gov

Other resources

AARP
Toll-free number: 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
Web site: www.aarp.org

BenefitsCheckUp
Helps people with Medicare and other older adults to learn about and enroll in government benefits, including Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage.
Web site: www.benefitscheckup.org

Medicare Today
Offers information and resources online, as well as one-on-one telephone counseling to help Medicare beneficiaries.
Toll-free number: 1-866-723-0416
Web site: www.medicaretoday.org

National Alliance for Hispanic Health
Toll-free number: 1-866-783-2645
Web site: www.hispanichealth.org

National Council on Aging
Toll-free number: 1-800-424-9046
Web site: www.ncoa.org
Web site with specific information on Medicare Part D: www.mymedicarematters.org

State Health Insurance Assistance Program

For other counseling services, call 1-800-633-4227 (1-800-MEDICARE) or contact your state health insurance assistance program (SHIP). SHIP has counselors in every state and some territories who are available to provide free one-on-one help with your Medicare questions or problems. See the list below to contact a SHIP counselor in your area or check the State Health Insurance Assistance Program Web site at (www.shiptalk.org).

The information on this chart is from the SHIP Web site located at www.shiptalk.org/About/SHIProfileSearchForm.aspx?mf=Display

More information from your American Cancer Society

We have some more information that may also be helpful. You can read these materials on our Web site or order them from our toll-free number.

• Health Insurance and Financial Assistance for the Cancer Patient (also available in Spanish)

• Prescription Drug Assistance Programs (also available in Spanish)

• Off-Label Drug Use

No matter who you are, we can help. Contact us anytime, day or night, for cancer-related information and support. Call us at 1-800-ACS-2345 (1-800-227-2345) or visit www.cancer.org.

Last Medical Review: 10/23/2008
Last Revised: 10/23/2008