Enrolling in a Medicare Plan by Phone
You can enroll over the phone through Via Benefits Insurance Services by calling us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) and speaking with a Via Benefits licensed benefit advisor. You can schedule an appointment or call us at your convenience. A benefit advisor will help you find a plan that fits your needs and budget. If you would like help enrolling on the website, read Shop and Enroll in Medicare Plans on the Website.
If you want to keep the same plan you have now, you don't need to do anything unless you receive a notice from the insurance carrier that your plan is ending. If you get a notice from the carrier, please call us.
An introductory meeting may be offered with a Via Benefits ambassador, depending on your employer. You don't have to attend an introductory meeting to schedule an appointment with a Via Benefits licensed benefit advisor.
Before the Call
Scope of Appointment
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requires a Scope of Appointment be completed at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. Benefit advisors are unable to proceed with the enrollment until the Scope of Appointment is completed.
The Scope of Appointment:
Is for your protection. It ensures no products are discussed beyond what's agreed upon.
Ensures you understand we'll be talking with you about various plans types and that you agreed to having the conversation.
States the benefit advisor you speak to during your schedule appointment is neither employed nor contracted by a Medicare plan, doesn't work for the federal government, and may be paid based on your enrollment in a plan. Note: Our benefit advisors aren't paid on commission; however, we‘re still required by CMS to state the benefit advisor may be paid based on your enrollment in a plan.
During the Call
During your enrollment call you can expect to talk with professional, pleasant, and knowledgeable individuals who can answer your questions, help you find the right health coverage for your needs, and help you complete your applications accurately.
If you previously called and would like to speak with the representative you enjoyed working with before, that representative may not be available due to other scheduled appointments or high call volume. Rest assured you'll routed to a benefit advisor who's equally qualified to help with your enrollment.
If you enroll by phone, please have the following pieces of information readily available:
Your Medicare Card with your Medicare Number and effective dates for Parts A and B
A list of your prescriptions, including dosages and frequency
Your doctors' names and addresses or phone numbers
Your payment information, just in case you decide to purchase a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy that may require the first month's premium payment at the time of application
We also recommend you make a list of any questions you may have ahead of time.
When you call, we start by verifying your identity. Then, the benefit advisor asks questions to determine which plans are right for you. Once you choose a plan, we assist you in completing the application.
Establishing Your Identity
Each time you contact us, we’re required to verify your identity and confirm we're looking at the correct record in our system. We ask you to verify your full first and last names, date of birth or ZIP Code, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. This process protects your personal information from being accessed by unauthorized callers. After your identity is verified, you're transferred to a benefit advisor.
Analyzing Your Needs and Selecting a Plan
The benefit advisor confirms your profile information is correct (your home address, ZIP Code, Medicare Number, etc.) and verifies your prescription list and doctors unless this was completed on a previous call with us.
Questions about your current insurance help us establish your enrollment opportunity and avoid conflicts with any additional coverage.
You're asked a series of questions designed to determine which kind of plan meets your needs. The benefit advisor narrows down your plan options and discusses with you specific plans available in your area that fit your needs.
Completing the Application
Once you choose a plan, the final step is completing the application. We recommend you complete the application on the website. It's the fastest way to complete the application. If you prefer, the benefit advisor can transfer you to a representative who’s trained to accurately and efficiently help you complete a verbal application. Enrolling by phone takes one to two hours per person, and each person must complete their own application unless someone with Power of Attorney for them does so on their behalf.
To complete an application over the phone, Medicare and the insurance carriers require all of the basic information about the plan and all legal disclaimers be read to you. Then, you can make a formal voice signature over the phone. We’re strictly monitored for compliance with all Medicare and insurance carrier rules and requirements.
Note: You may have to repeat the same information for each application to meet Medicare and insurance carrier rules.
Scheduling an Appointment
The most convenient and secure way to reserve a time to speak with a benefit advisor is on the Via Benefits website. If an appointment time isn’t available, please call us at your convenience or consider enrolling on the website.
To reserve a time to call on the website, follow these steps:
1. Sign In and select View Appointments in the Speak to an Expert section.
2. Select who will be participating in the call.
3. Complete the Scope of Appointment agreement if you haven't done so already. The statement must be agreed to at least 48 hours before your scheduled appointment. You can't schedule an appointment until you have agreed to the Scope of Appointment.
4. Select the date and time you would like to call us.
5. Select Save and Confirm to reserve the appointment.
Note: If you select Return to Home prior to saving, your appointment isn’t saved.
6. A summary of the appointment appears on the Speak to an Expert page. Note the Change Appointment and Cancel Appointment links. You have the option to change or cancel your appointment on the website, whether it was scheduled over the phone or on the website.
Please call us at the scheduled time. You won't receive a call from us.
If you miss your appointment, you may call us at 1-866-322-2824 (TTY: 711) at your convenience (hold times may vary).
After Enrollment
Within two weeks, whether you enrolled by phone or on the website, you're sent a letter from Via Benefits confirming your selection. This isn't your approval letter from the insurance carrier, rather a confirmation we submitted your application.
Within two to three weeks after your enrollment, the insurance carrier may contact you if there are questions about your application or if additional information is needed. If such contact occurs, please respond quickly, as the application process may be delayed until any issues are resolved. If you have questions about any communications from the insurance carrier, please contact us.
*Our licensed benefit advisors specialize in health insurance for retirees. They go through annual training and certification to ensure they can help you make an informed and confident decision.