Medicare Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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We want you to make the most of your Medicare Advantage health plan.
Here are some answers to questions you may have.

There are many preventive services that Medicare and ConnectiCare cover at no extra cost to you, including:

  • Flu Shot
  • Breast Cancer Screening
  • Diabetes Screening
  • Annual “Wellness” visit (this is different than the annual exam)
  • Annual Physical Exam (an annual physical at $0 is covered on most Medicare plans)
  • For more information on preventive services covered at no cost to you, see your Medicare plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC).

ConnectiCare Medicare plans do not require a referral. Please check the front of your ID card for more information.

You can also visit the Cost Sharing Guide on the member portal, or see your Medicare plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC).

  • In some cases, you can get a temporary supply of the drug while you work with your doctor to change to another drug or file a request to have the drug covered.
  • You can ask your provider to change to a drug that is on your plan’s formulary.
  • You can request an exception and ask the plan to cover the drug or remove restrictions from the drug. Your doctor must support the request. ConnectiCare will review and respond to your request.
  • Call the pharmacy number on the back of your member ID card for more information.

To learn more, click here.

Preferred pharmacies are network pharmacies where you can save on prescription drugs. Check our Pharmacy Locator to find a local pharmacy and their preferred status. Some preferred pharmacies we work with include Big Y Foods Inc., Costco, Price Chopper, Rite Aid, Sam's Club, Safeway, Stop & Shop, Walgreens, and Walmart.

  • Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp are participating laboratories. Quest and LabCorp have locations nationwide.
  • There are other specialty labs also available in our network.
  • Ask your provider to use Quest or LabCorp when they take your bloodwork for analysis.
  • Copays may vary depending on locations (doctor’s office or free-standing facility often means $0 copays for labs).
  • All medically necessary Medicare-covered services are covered by ConnectiCare, including MRIs.
  • Your provider will have to get an approval (also known as “prior authorization”) for the service to be covered. ConnectiCare will review it and respond to your request.
  • Many services do not require you or your provider to get approval in advance.
  • When you need one, your provider is responsible for getting a prior authorization. For more information on services that require prior authorization, call the number on the back of your ID card.
  • Pharmacy approvals may require your prescriber to submit a supporting statement.

Most of our plans include dental services, but the type of dental (preventive only; comprehensive only; preventive and comprehensive) varies by plan and whether you’ve purchased an optional rider. Find participating dentists here. Some services may require a prior authorization. Your dentist is responsible for submitting the request.

For more information on services covered, see your Medicare plan’s Evidence of Coverage (EOC) or the Cost Sharing Guide on the member portal.

Our Medicare plans cover medically necessary durable medical equipment and supplies that are covered by Medicare.

Covered items include:

  • Oxygen equipment and supplies
  • Wheelchairs
  • Walkers
  • Powered mattress systems
  • Crutches
  • Diabetic supplies
  • Speech generating devices
  • IV infusion pumps
  • Nebulizers
  • Hospital beds ordered by a provider for use in the home

Please note certain items will have to be returned and some will be owned by you, such as prosthetics

If you have an emergency while outside the country:

  • You will first have to pay out-of-pocket for expenses.
  • You can submit a request for reimbursement to ConnectiCare.
  • ConnectiCare reviews the information submitted and decides on coverage and payment.
  • If the request is approved, ConnectiCare will send you a check.

Payment options include:

  • Through automatic deductions/Social Security withholdings (preferred)
  • Setting up payments through the member portal
  • Paying via check
  • Paying via phone

Yes, it’s always a good idea to choose a primary care doctor to coordinate your care and help you when you need to see a specialist.

ConnectiCare recommends that you schedule your first primary care doctor visit within the first 90 days of being a member. This way, your doctor can get to know you and your medical history and can recommend preventive care and screenings. Also, once you are a patient, it will be easier for you to schedule a sick visit if you need one.

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Still Have Questions?

Call Customer Service at 800-224-2273 (TTY: 711). From Oct. 1 to March 31, you can call us from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. From April 1 to Sept. 30, you can call us from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Saturday.

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Last Update: 10/01/2024

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