Introduction
When a loved one passes away, there are a number of tasks that must be completed in order to ensure their final affairs are in order. One of those tasks is notifying Medicare of the death. This process can be overwhelming and confusing, but it is important to make sure it is done correctly. This article will provide a comprehensive overview of how to notify Medicare of death, including contact information, required documentation, and potential timelines.
Contact Medicare by Telephone
The first step in notifying Medicare of death is to contact them by telephone. You should call as soon as possible after the death has occurred. When you call, you will need to provide the following information: the deceased person’s name, date of birth, social security number, and date of death. You may also be asked to provide the surviving spouse’s name and contact information. Once you have provided the necessary information, Medicare will deactivate the deceased person’s account and send a letter confirming the deactivation.
Send a Letter to Medicare
If you prefer, you can also send a letter to Medicare to notify them of the death. The letter should include the same information that you would provide over the phone, including the deceased person’s name, date of birth, social security number, and date of death. The letter should be sent to the following address: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.
Use an Online Form on the Medicare Website
Another option is to use an online form on the Medicare website to notify them of the death. The form can be found at www.medicare.gov/forms/cms-40b.html. The form requires the same information as the letter and telephone call, including the deceased person’s name, date of birth, social security number, and date of death. You will also need to provide the surviving spouse’s name and contact information. Once the form has been submitted, Medicare will deactivate the deceased person’s account and send a letter confirming the deactivation.
Notify Your Local Social Security Office
In addition to notifying Medicare, you will also need to notify your local Social Security office. They will need to know the deceased person’s name, date of birth, social security number, and date of death. You may also be asked to provide the surviving spouse’s name and contact information. Once the information has been provided, Social Security will update their records and issue a letter confirming the change.
Submit a Copy of the Death Certificate to Medicare
Once you have notified Medicare and Social Security, you will need to submit a copy of the death certificate to Medicare. You can obtain a death certificate from your local health department or funeral home. The death certificate should be sent to the following address: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850. If the death certificate is lost or damaged, you can request a new one from your local health department.
Ask the Funeral Home to Notify Medicare
If you are using a funeral home to arrange the funeral service, you can ask them to notify Medicare of the death. The funeral home will need the same information that you would provide when notifying Medicare directly, including the deceased person’s name, date of birth, social security number, and date of death. Once the information has been provided, the funeral home will contact Medicare and provide them with the necessary information. Medicare will then deactivate the deceased person’s account and send a letter confirming the deactivation.
Hire a Lawyer to Handle the Notification Process
If you are feeling overwhelmed by the notification process, you may want to consider hiring a lawyer to handle it for you. An attorney can help ensure that all of the necessary steps are taken and that all of the required documentation is in order. Before hiring an attorney, make sure to ask about fees and services. You should also ask if they have any experience dealing with Medicare and Social Security notifications.
Conclusion
Notifying Medicare of death can be a difficult and time-consuming process. However, it is important to make sure that it is done correctly. This article has provided an overview of the steps necessary to notify Medicare of death, including contact information, required documentation, and potential timelines. It has also covered other options such as using a lawyer or submitting a copy of the death certificate. With the right information and resources, you can ensure that the notification process is handled properly.
Additional Resources:
- Medicare – Report a Death
- Social Security – What to Do After a Death
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