newsletter

On the Healthcare Front is a free newsletter written by Acentra Health for people who are on Medicare. Newsletters include information about Medicare rights and other information to help you exercise your right for high quality health care.

Read more about the newsletter: On the Healthcare Front

information you can use during medicare open enrollment

Medicare Open Enrollment is from October 15 through December 7. This is an important time for people who have Medicare because it gives you the chance to review and make changes to your current Medicare coverage. 

Visit our Medicare Open Enrollment page for information and resources to help you make important decisions for your healthcare. This page has weblinks and resources, including a recording of a live webinar held by Acentra Health in November 2024.

web links

• Medicare has a website to use when you want to compare hospitals, home health agencies, skilled nursing facilities, physicians, or dialysis facilities. Find and compare nursing homes, hospitals & other providers near you.
• If you need help with your Part D prescription drug coverage, visit our Part D coverage resources that include prescription assistance programs.
• Medicare has an app called "What's Covered" where you can quickly see what Medicare covers. Learn more about this app.
• The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman makes sure that you have information related to your Medicare rights and protections and helps you get your concerns resolved.
• Search for financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost programs at Findhelp.
• Learn how the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) program supports Medicare beneficiaries: Supporting Medicare Beneficiaries with Timely Patient-Centered Care
• Check out your Social Security statement, change your address, manage benefits, plan for Medicare, and more: Social Security Administration
• Navigating Medicare can be challenging, but you don't have to do it alone. SHIP organizations can help: State Health Insurance Programs (SHIPs)

documents

These documents give information about your Medicare Rights and how to protect them.

• Medicare & You 2025 (PDF): The official US Government Medicare handbook.
• A Quick Look at Medicare (PDF): Provides a brief overview of enrollment and how to get help.
• 4Rs for Fighting Medicare Fraud (PDF): Gives you information about how to protect yourself from Medicare fraud.
• Medicare Rights and Protections (PDF): This official government booklet has information about your rights & protections in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plans, and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans; and, where to get help with your questions
• Know Your Rights (EMTALA) (PDF): The Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) guarantees access to emergency medical services at the emergency department regardless of a person's ability to pay.

wallet cards

Wallet cards are a good way to keep Acentra Health's phone number handy.

Each page can be printed on letter-size paper and includes cards for you to share with family and friends. 

Cards can be kept in wallets, on the refrigerator, and anywhere else that will keep the information handy.

Click on a link below to download the card for your state.

podcast

One way you can learn more about Acentra Health's free services for people who have Medicare, as well as other healthcare topics, is by tuning in to our podcast: Aging Health Matters.

Podcasts are audio files that you can download or listen to on the Internet. Each audio recording is called a podcast episode.

Listeners will get tips that can help improve their healthcare journeys. Your podcast host - Acentra Health - is joined by guests to have open conversations that are aimed at making life a little bit easier.

Read more: Aging Health Matters Podcast

state-specific resources

Click on your state below for information that is for your state only.

related links

• Overview of Services
• How to File a Quality of Care Complaint
• How to File an Appeal
• Immediate Advocacy
• En Español
• Case Status Check

acentra health's services

• Please share information about Acentra Health's free services with others who have Medicare. Flyers are available in English (PDF) and Spanish (PDF).
• Watch videos to learn about Acentra Health services