Other Services
Medicare, FBU, & Coverage outside the U.S.
Medicare Enrollment:
The Santo Domingo Federal Benefits Unit (FBU) can accept applications from eligible U.S. citizens wishing to sign up for Medicare.
Medicare and coverage Overseas - Caution:
However, you need to know that in most situations, Medicare does not cover medical treatment outside the United States.
Medicare and coverage outside the U.S.
Medicare pays only for services in the 50 States: D.C.; and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico. An exception is that Medicare will provide coverage in Canada and Mexico when an emergency occurs in the U.S. and the nearest hospital is over the border. Medicare also covers if you are hurt or injured in Canada while on a direct route to Alaska. Finally, there are specific situations in which Medicare will cover medically necessary health care services if you are on a cruise ship. In any other situation or country Medicare will NOT pay for health services - even in emergency situations.
For official information on Medicare coverage outside the U.S., please review the pamphlet Medicare Coverage Outside the U.S., found at www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11037.pdf.
Medicare Supplemental Insurance:
Medicare enrollees can buy supplemental insurance such as Medigap policies designed to fill "gaps" in the Original Medicare coverage. There are also Medicare Advantage Plans similar to HMOs and PPOs to which enrollees can sign up. There are other supplemental plans as well. These supplemental insurance plans may vary in areas of coverage and include additional premiums, deductibles, and co-payments. It is important that you know facts before signing up for anything. Learn more about Medigap, Medicare Advantage, and other supplemental insurance plans or polices by viewing Choosing a Medigap Policy at http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/02110.pdf.
Medicare - How to obtain official information
Medicare is administered by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Servcies (HHS). HHS is the source for official information regarding Medicare and benefits. You may write to them at:
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
7500 Security Boulevard
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
On-Line: Official information about Medicare is also available on at http://www.medicare.gov/.
Phone: Official information about Medicare can also be obtained by calling 1-800-633-4227.
To Report Medicare Fraud: How to Report Fraud and Abuse