If electricity, fuel and grocery costs are rising faster than your income, there may be help available through your Medicare coverage.
Medicare patients who qualify get a dedicated case worker to help them apply for energy, food, transportation and prescription assistance.
Case worker availability is limited and applications are reviewed in the order they are received.
See If You Qualify → Call (800) 303-1766What is CHI?
It's called Community Health Integration (CHI). CHI gives you a dedicated case worker to help with rising costs and the everyday needs that affect your health.
What your case worker helps with
Your case worker does the work with you: making the calls, completing the applications, and following up until the help is in place.
How it works
A representative confirms your eligibility while you're on the line and answers your questions.
You're transferred to a licensed clinician from a participating clinic, who can complete the visit right away by phone or secure video. They'll review your health and medications, talk about everyday challenges, and decide whether CHI is right for you.
If CHI is clinically appropriate, your case worker starts working with you.
Contact Medcare
Text CALLBACK to (800) 303-1766, and a Medcare representative will return your call during business hours.
A family member or caregiver may call on the patient's behalf. The patient will need to be available to confirm eligibility and complete the visit.
No. Your Medicare coverage remains unchanged, and you may continue to see your own doctor.
No. Calling does not automatically qualify you. A Medcare representative will review your eligibility over the phone. Enrollment is not guaranteed until it has been confirmed.
No. Medcare does not directly provide cash, food, housing, utility payments, transportation, or medicine benefits. Your case worker assists you in identifying and applying for programs that provide this support.
Like most Medicare Part B services, CHI is subject to 20% coinsurance after your Part B deductible. However, there are several ways this cost may be covered for you.
Secondary insurance. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan or other secondary coverage, it may cover your 20% coinsurance.
Medicaid. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, Medicaid may cover your coinsurance.
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) Program. If you are enrolled in QMB, no Medicare provider, including Medcare's participating clinics and your own doctor, may bill you for the 20% coinsurance. QMB can also pay your monthly Medicare Part B premium.
Help applying. Your case worker can help you apply for QMB and will follow up with you on the decision from your state. If cost remains a concern, your case worker can also connect you with independent charitable organizations that may be able to help.
A Medcare representative will explain any costs before services begin.
Medcare will never visit your home or request payment or bank details by phone. Official communications include Medcare's phone number, (800) 303-1766, and mailing address, P.O. Box 4503, Chicago, IL 60699. If you are unsure, call us directly at (800) 303-1766.
Monday–Friday, 9am–6pm Eastern Time