Helping to resolve your inquiry or complaint

The MBO can help with Medicare-related complaints, grievances, and information requests. The MBO guarantees that you are aware of your Medicare rights and safeguards, as well as how to deal with any problems that arise.

About the MBO

Congress established the MBO position in 2003 to assist Medicare beneficiaries with their inquiries, complaints, grievances, appeals, and information requests. By receiving and responding to inquiries and complaints from beneficiaries and other stakeholders, collaborating with partners to provide outreach and education to beneficiaries, and making recommendations to improve Medicare administration, the MBO assists CMS’ customer service and administration efforts. In addition, the MBO provides Congress with an annual report. The Downloads part of this website contains links to the published reports.

Beneficiary Rights and Protections

Regardless of how you get your Medicare, you have certain rights and protections:

• When it comes to health care, make sure you’re protected.
• Ensure that you receive the healthcare services that the law allows you to receive.
• You will be protected against unscrupulous actions.
• Keep your personal information private.

Rights & Protections for everyone with Medicare

Your rights in Original Medicare

Your rights in a Medicare Advantage Plan or other Medicare health plan

Your rights in a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan or Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MA-PD)

Beneficiaries: What to do if you have an inquiry or complaint

If you have a Medicare-related question, you have many alternatives for seeking help.

1. Call your plan. If you have a question about your Medicare Part D or Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, call the phone number on your plan member ID card first. Your plan is the finest resource for resolving plan-related issues.
2. Call 1-800-MEDICARE. For TTY users, dial 1-800-633-4227 or 1-877-486-2048. Call 1-800-MEDICARE for help if your problem is with Original Medicare or if your plan hasn’t been able to solve it.
3. Contact the SHIP. SHIPs (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs) are state-run organizations that provide Medicare members with free local health insurance counseling on benefits, coverage, appeals, and complaints. In my neighborhood, where can I locate a SHIP? https://www.shiptacenter.org/
4. Contact the MBO. If you haven’t been able to resolve your issue with your plan or 1-800-Medicare, ask a representative at 1-800-MEDICARE to submit your complaint or inquiry to the MBO. The MBO will help you in receiving an appropriate response to your query.

Contact MEDICARE

Medicare Helpful Contacts

Medicare Complaint Form (Part C & D only)

Other Helpful Resources

Beneficiary Resources for Health Care Quality & Safety Concerns (PDF)

The article describes how to register a complaint regarding problems with health care quality and safety.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living

The Administration for Community Living is in charge of ensuring that disability programs, policies, and special initiatives for people with disabilities are implemented and coordinated.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging

Through programs financed under the Older Americans Act, the Administration on Aging delivers home and community-based services and opportunities to older people and their caregivers.

Downloads Section

• How the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman Works for You (PDF)
• 2014-2016 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2013 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2012 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2011 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2010 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2009 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2007-2008 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)
• 2005-2006 Ombudsman Report to Congress (PDF)