Medicare Consumer Resources

Visit the Resource Center to browse and download selected Medicare resources for consumers. You also may want to visit the Medicare.gov publications center.

VHQC Consumer Helpline - Staffed by a nurse, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. This line helps Medicare patients or their representatives make a quality of care complaint. If you call at another time or on a holiday, please leave a message and we will respond on the next business day. Call 1-800-545-3814.

VHQC Expedited Appeals Line - Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week; calls received after 4:00 pm may be returned on the next day. This line helps Medicare patients or their representatives appeal notices about hospital discharge or the discontinuation of other healthcare services. Call 1-866-263-8402.

National Medicare Helpline - Staffed by trained representatives 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This line helps Medicare patients or their representatives with general questions about Medicare, including eligibility, enrollment, billing and claims. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or TTY/TDD 1-877-486-2048.

Medicare.gov - The federal government's official website for Medicare consumers, with information and downloadable resources.

Bureau of Insurance - Part of the State Corporation Commission, this Virginia government agency reviews complaints about Medigap and commercial health insurance plans.

Department of Health Professions - This Virginia state agency reviews complaints about licensed healthcare practitioners who may have violated a regulation or law. This includes physicians, nurses, nurse aides and many other kinds of health professionals.

Office of Licensure and Certification - Part of the Department of Health, this Virginia state agency investigates complaints about nursing facilities, inpatient and outpatient hospitals, home care organizations, hospice programs, dialysis facilities, and clinical laboratories.

Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - A free service of the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging and its local members that works with seniors and/or their families to resolve complaints about long-term care provided by nursing homes, assisted living facilities or community-based services.

Adult Protective Services - Part of the Department of Social Services, this state agency investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults aged 60 and over and incapacitated adults over 18 years of age. When vulnerable adults are found to be in need of protective services, it takes action to protect life, health, and property without a loss of liberty.

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program - VICAP counselors at your local Area Agency on Aging can help you resolve claims or billing problems. They can also assist you with filing for benefits, and sorting through complicated statements and notices. This is a free, confidential service.

Senior Medicare Patrol - A national program that is carried out on the state level by the Virginia Association of Area Agencies on Aging. Senior Medicare Patrol provides community-based consumer education and information to prevent, detect and stop Medicare fraud.

Area Agencies on Aging - A network of 25 local Area Agencies on Aging, overseen by the Virginia Department for the Aging, provide most of the state's services for seniors. Services may include meal programs, transportation, home repairs, insurance counseling and caregiver support.

AARP - A national association for people age 50 and older. It provides information and education, advocacy and community services through a network of local chapters and experienced volunteers.

Center for Medicare Advocacy - A national nonprofit, non-partisan organization that provides education, advocacy, and legal assistance to help elders and people with disabilities obtain Medicare and necessary health care.

National Family Caregivers Association - This nonprofit advocacy organization educates, supports, empowers and speaks up for the millions of Americans who care for chronically ill, aged, or disabled loved ones. Its website provides resources that include virtual support groups.

Senior Navigator - A nonprofit organization that helps Virginia seniors and their caregivers access resources online and at a network of Senior Navigator Centers. Its website features information from more than 18,000 resources on such topics as health and aging, personal finance, legal issues, housing and long-term care.

Virginia Department for the Aging - The state agency that helps Virginians find the information and services they need to lead healthy and independent lives as they grow older. Its mission is to foster the dignity, independence, and security of older Virginians by promoting partnerships with families and communities.

Virginia Easy Access - A secure and confidential connection to community services for seniors and people with disabilities. This easy-to-navigate website is a partnership of the Virginia Department for the Aging, Senior Navigator and 2-1-1 Virginia.