Georgia Medicare Welcome to Medicare Package Guide 2026

By Brevy Care Team

Becoming eligible for Medicare is one of the most consequential transitions in a senior's life. For most Georgians, eligibility begins at age 65, but it can also begin earlier for beneficiaries with 24+ months of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), end-stage renal disease (ESRD, after a 3-month waiting period in most cases), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, with immediate eligibility). The Welcome to Medicare Package is the federal beneficiary onboarding bundle — a coordinated sequence of CMS-issued mailings, eligibility events, enrollment windows, plan-selection opportunities, and a once-in-a-lifetime Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE, "Welcome to Medicare Visit") — designed to ensure that newly-eligible beneficiaries understand the Medicare program, enroll in the right parts at the right time, choose the right plan, and access preventive services in their first year.

The IPPE is the medical-services centerpiece of the Welcome to Medicare Package. It was established by Section 611 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) (Public Law 108-173, signed by President George W. Bush on December 8, 2003), the same omnibus statute that created Medicare Part D. The IPPE is codified at Section 1861(ww) of the Social Security Act and billed under HCPCS code G0402. Effective January 1, 2005, the IPPE provided a one-time comprehensive preventive visit for newly-enrolled Medicare beneficiaries, available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment. The IPPE is distinct from the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) later established by Section 4103 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 at Section 1861(hhh) SSA (billed under HCPCS G0438 for initial and G0439 for subsequent visits); AWV is annual, IPPE is once-in-a-lifetime.

The broader Welcome to Medicare Package extends well beyond the IPPE visit and includes:

1. CMS Welcome Mailing — initial beneficiary letter and Medicare card mailed within 3 months of Medicare entitlement
2. "Medicare & You" Handbook — annual CMS publication mailed in September to all beneficiaries (covering benefits, plan options, enrollment rules, and key contact information)
3. Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) — 7-month window around the 65th birthday (3 months before, the birthday month, and 3 months after) during which beneficiaries can enroll in Part A, Part B, and Part D without late enrollment penalties
4. Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) — once-in-a-lifetime preventive visit available in the first 12 months of Part B enrollment
5. Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) — 7-month Medicare Advantage initial enrollment window
6. Medigap Open Enrollment Period — 6-month window starting at age 65 + Part B enrollment for guaranteed-issue Medigap policies
7. Part D Initial Enrollment — synchronized with IEP for Part D / MA-PD selection
8. Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) — October 15-December 7 each year for plan changes effective January 1
9. General Enrollment Period (GEP) — January 1-March 31 each year for beneficiaries who missed IEP, with coverage starting July 1 and lifetime late enrollment penalties

For Georgia specifically:

• ~1.5+ million Medicare beneficiaries (Original Medicare + Medicare Advantage)
• ~50,000-60,000 new Georgia Medicare beneficiaries per year (approximately 4,500-5,000 per month)
• 500,000+ Georgia Medicare Advantage enrollees (33% Medicare Advantage penetration)
• Major Georgia health systems (Emory, WellStar, Piedmont, Northside, NGMC, Atrium Health Navicent, Memorial Health, Phoebe Putney, Augusta University) deliver IPPE and Annual Wellness Visit services through primary care
• GeorgiaCares SHIP (1-866-552-4464) provides free Welcome to Medicare counseling statewide

For Georgia eldercare specifically, the Welcome to Medicare Package matters because:

• Every Georgia senior aging into Medicare encounters this onboarding cycle once in their lifetime
• Many beneficiaries miss the IPPE because they do not know it exists or do not understand it must occur within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment
• Initial Enrollment Period mistakes trigger lifetime late enrollment penalties — Part B 10% per 12 months of delay (permanent); Part D 1% per month of delay (permanent)
• Medigap guaranteed-issue is limited to a 6-month window from age 65 + Part B enrollment; missing this window can mean medical underwriting and denial for pre-existing conditions
• Medicare Advantage vs Original Medicare decision is best made during initial enrollment with full information
• GeorgiaCares SHIP is the critical free counseling resource — but is under-used by Georgia seniors

This guide explains the Welcome to Medicare Package in comprehensive detail: the statutory framework, the IPPE service components, the enrollment periods, the late enrollment penalties, the plan selection considerations, the Medigap rules, the special considerations for SSDI/ESRD/ALS beneficiaries, the coordination with employer coverage, and the operational details Georgia seniors and their families need to navigate Medicare onboarding successfully.

Key takeaways

• The Welcome to Medicare Package is the federal beneficiary onboarding bundle including the Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) established by Section 611 of the MMA 2003 (Public Law 108-173, December 8, 2003), codified at Section 1861(ww) SSA and HCPCS G0402
• The IPPE is once-in-a-lifetime and must be furnished within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment
• The Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) is distinct from IPPE — established by Section 4103 of the ACA (Section 1861(hhh) SSA), billed under HCPCS G0438 (initial) and G0439 (subsequent), available annually
• The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is a 7-month window: 3 months before 65th birthday + birthday month + 3 months after
• The Initial Coverage Election Period (ICEP) is the 7-month window for Medicare Advantage initial enrollment
• The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting at age 65 + Part B enrollment
• The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is January 1-March 31 each year for missed IEP enrollment, with coverage effective July 1 and lifetime late enrollment penalties
• The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is October 15-December 7 for plan changes effective January 1
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) apply for qualifying life events (loss of employer coverage, dual eligibility changes, plan termination, geographic move, etc.)
• Late enrollment penalties: Part B 10% per 12 months of delay (permanent); Part D 1% per month of delay (permanent)
• For Georgia: ~50,000-60,000 new Medicare beneficiaries per year; GeorgiaCares SHIP (1-866-552-4464) provides free onboarding counseling; major Georgia primary care networks deliver IPPE and AWV

Statutory and regulatory framework

Section 611 of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA)

Section 611 of the MMA 2003 (Public Law 108-173, signed by President George W. Bush on December 8, 2003) established the IPPE. Section 611 was one of many MMA preventive-services provisions intended to encourage preventive care utilization in Medicare. Other MMA preventive provisions included diabetes screening and cardiovascular disease screening. The IPPE specifically targeted newly-enrolled Medicare beneficiaries by providing a one-time comprehensive preventive visit in their first 12 months.

Section 1861(ww) of the Social Security Act

The IPPE is codified at Section 1861(ww) of the Social Security Act. Key provisions:

• Section 1861(ww)(1) — IPPE definition and service components
• Section 1861(ww)(2) — once-in-a-lifetime frequency limit
• Section 1861(ww)(3) — 12-month timing requirement
• Section 1861(ww)(4) — coverage and payment

The IPPE was originally limited to the first 6 months of Part B enrollment but was extended to the first 12 months by Section 4103 of the ACA (the same provision that created the AWV).

HCPCS G0402

The IPPE is billed under HCPCS code G0402 — "Initial preventive physical examination; face-to-face visit, services limited to new beneficiary during the first 12 months of Medicare enrollment." G0402 includes the IPPE service components specified in Section 1861(ww) SSA and CMS regulations.

Section 4103 of the Affordable Care Act of 2010 — AWV (distinct from IPPE)

Section 4103 of the ACA 2010 (Public Law 111-148, signed by President Barack Obama on March 23, 2010) established the Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) as a separate, annual benefit. Section 4103 also:

• Extended the IPPE timing window from 6 months to 12 months
• Distinguished IPPE (once-in-a-lifetime) from AWV (annual)
• Coordinated the two services to ensure beneficiaries received both

Section 1861(hhh) of the Social Security Act — AWV

The AWV is codified at Section 1861(hhh) of the Social Security Act. AWV billing codes:

• HCPCS G0438 — Initial AWV (first AWV in calendar year)
• HCPCS G0439 — Subsequent AWV (annual after initial)

A beneficiary can have an AWV beginning 12 months after their IPPE (or 12 months after Part B enrollment if no IPPE), and then annually thereafter.

42 CFR 410.16 — IPPE regulations

CMS implements the IPPE through regulations at 42 CFR 410.16. The regulation specifies:

• IPPE service components (see below)
• Beneficiary eligibility (newly-enrolled in Part B, within first 12 months)
• Once-in-a-lifetime frequency
• Provider qualifications
• Payment methodology

42 CFR 410.15 — AWV regulations

CMS implements the AWV through regulations at 42 CFR 410.15. The AWV regulation specifies:

• AWV service components
• Initial AWV vs subsequent AWV
• Provider qualifications
• Health Risk Assessment requirement
• Personalized Prevention Plan

Section 1837 SSA — General Enrollment Period

Section 1837 of the Social Security Act establishes Medicare enrollment periods:

• IEP (Section 1837(d))
• GEP (Section 1837(e))
• SEPs (Section 1837(i))

Section 1851 SSA — Medicare Advantage enrollment

Section 1851 of the Social Security Act establishes Medicare Advantage enrollment:

• ICEP (Section 1851(e)(1))
• AEP (Section 1851(e)(2))
• MA Open Enrollment Period January 1-March 31 (Section 1851(e)(3))
• SEPs

IPPE service components

The IPPE includes the following service components per Section 1861(ww) SSA and 42 CFR 410.16:

1. Health status review

• Review of beneficiary's medical and social history
• Review of risk factors for diseases
• Family medical history
• Personal medical history
• Current health status

2. Review of risk factors

• Tobacco use
• Alcohol consumption
• Substance use
• Physical activity
• Diet and nutrition
• Sleep habits

3. Vital signs and basic measurements

• Body mass index (BMI)
• Blood pressure
• Visual acuity screening

4. End-of-life planning discussion

• Advance directives
• Health care proxy / durable power of attorney for health care
• Living will
• Discussion of patient preferences for end-of-life care

5. Cognitive function screening

• Mental status examination
• Memory and orientation
• Screening for cognitive impairment (e.g., dementia)

6. Depression screening

• Screening for depression using validated tool (e.g., PHQ-2 or PHQ-9)

7. Functional ability assessment

• Activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs)
• Hearing impairment
• Risk of falls

8. Home safety review

• Fall risk in home environment
• Home safety hazards

9. Written plan

• Schedule of recommended preventive services
• Schedule for the next 5-10 years
• Referrals for preventive services not provided at IPPE

10. Referrals for preventive services

• Screening colonoscopy
• Mammography
• Pap smear
• Bone density screening
• Cardiovascular disease screening
• Diabetes screening
• Glaucoma screening
• Vaccinations (Pneumococcal, Influenza, Tdap, etc.)

IPPE vs AWV component comparison

The IPPE and AWV have overlapping but distinct service components. Key differences:

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the 7-month window around the beneficiary's 65th birthday (or 25th month of SSDI for SSDI beneficiaries):

• 3 months before the birthday month
• The birthday month itself
• 3 months after the birthday month

During IEP, beneficiaries can enroll in:

• Part A (premium-free for those with 40+ quarters of Medicare-covered employment; premium-based otherwise)
• Part B (premium-based, $174.70/month standard 2024 — adjusted upward for IRMAA above income thresholds)
• Part D (premium-based, varies by plan)
• Medicare Advantage (during overlapping ICEP)

IEP enrollment timing affects coverage start

• Enrolling before the birthday month: coverage starts the first of the birthday month
• Enrolling in the birthday month: coverage starts the first of the following month
• Enrolling after the birthday month (1-3 months after): coverage starts 1-3 months after enrollment

Automatic enrollment

Beneficiaries already receiving Social Security retirement benefits (or SSDI) are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B effective the first of their birthday month. They have the right to opt out of Part B if they have other creditable coverage.

IEP and Part D coordination

Part D enrollment is concurrent with IEP. Beneficiaries must enroll in Part D during IEP or face a 1%-per-month late enrollment penalty (permanent).

General Enrollment Period (GEP)

The General Enrollment Period (GEP) is the annual makeup window for beneficiaries who missed IEP:

• January 1 - March 31 each year
• Coverage effective July 1 (changed from "first month after enrollment" historically)
• Late enrollment penalties apply (Part B 10% per 12 months of delay, permanent)

GEP is the only annual opportunity to enroll in Part B if IEP was missed (absent a qualifying SEP).

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the annual plan-change window:

• October 15 - December 7 each year
• Changes effective January 1 of the following year
• Permits: switch Part D plans, switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch from Original Medicare to MA, switch from MA to Original Medicare

AEP is the primary opportunity for existing beneficiaries to optimize plan choice based on changing health needs, drug needs, and plan offerings.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) is January 1 - March 31 each year:

• Permits one MA plan change OR switch from MA to Original Medicare
• Cannot switch from Original Medicare to MA during this window
• Can also add or drop Part D coverage in conjunction with MA changes

Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs)

SEPs allow enrollment outside of standard windows for qualifying life events:

• Loss of employer coverage
• Move to new geographic area
• Dual eligibility status change (Medicare + Medicaid)
• LIS status change
• Plan termination or contract violation
• Disaster declaration
• 5-Star plan SEP (annual opportunity to switch to a 5-star plan)
• Other qualifying events

SEP rules are detailed in Section 1837(i) SSA and 42 CFR 423.38.

Medigap Open Enrollment Period

The Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time, 6-month window that begins on the first day of the month in which the beneficiary is both age 65+ AND enrolled in Part B. During this window:

• Medigap insurers must offer all Medigap policies they sell on a guaranteed-issue basis
• No medical underwriting
• No pre-existing condition exclusion (limited to 6 months at most, eliminated entirely for those with prior creditable coverage)
• Beneficiary cannot be denied or charged higher premiums

After the 6-month window ends, Medigap insurers can:

• Apply medical underwriting
• Deny coverage based on health
• Charge higher premiums for pre-existing conditions

Missing the Medigap Open Enrollment Period is one of the most costly mistakes Medicare beneficiaries make. Georgia residents with pre-existing conditions who delay Medigap enrollment may be unable to obtain coverage or may pay significantly higher premiums.

Late enrollment penalties

Part B Late Enrollment Penalty

• 10% per 12 months of delay
• Applied to Part B premium permanently
• Calculated cumulatively (e.g., 2 years late = 20% lifetime penalty)
• Penalty waived only for qualifying SEPs

Part D Late Enrollment Penalty

• 1% of the national base beneficiary premium per month of delay
• Permanent
• Calculated from end of IEP through actual Part D enrollment

Part A Premium Penalty (for non-premium-free Part A)

• 10% surcharge for late enrollment
• Applied for twice the number of years of delay (not permanent)

Special considerations

SSDI beneficiaries

• Medicare eligibility begins after 24 months of SSDI (the "25-month rule")
• Automatic enrollment in Part A and Part B at start of 25th month
• Special rules for IEP timing

ESRD beneficiaries

• Medicare eligibility begins after 3-month waiting period for most ESRD beneficiaries
• Waiting period can be reduced or waived in certain circumstances
• Enrollment processes through SSA

ALS beneficiaries

• Medicare eligibility begins immediately upon ALS diagnosis (no SSDI waiting period required)
• Automatic enrollment when SSDI approved

Employer coverage coordination

• Beneficiaries with active employer coverage (employee or spouse) can typically delay Part B enrollment without penalty (qualifying SEP available)
• Must enroll within 8 months of losing employer coverage to avoid penalty
• Part D late enrollment penalty waived if employer drug coverage was creditable (≥ standard Part D)

TRICARE coordination

• TRICARE for Life (TFL) requires Medicare Part A and Part B enrollment
• TFL coordinates as secondary payer to Medicare
• Failure to enroll in Part B loses TFL eligibility

Worked examples

Example 1: Fulton 65 — Atlanta aging into Medicare IEP + IPPE at Emory Primary Care

Profile: 65-year-old Atlanta resident, currently receiving Social Security retirement benefits.

Timeline:

• January 2026 (3 months before April 2026 birthday): receives CMS Welcome Letter and Medicare card
• April 2026: birthday month, Medicare Part A and Part B effective April 1 (auto-enrollment via Social Security)
• March 2026 (during IEP): selects Part D plan via Medicare.gov
• April 2026: schedules IPPE at Emory Primary Care
• May 2026: IPPE visit — receives comprehensive preventive assessment, written preventive services schedule, referrals for screening colonoscopy + mammography (spouse's similar timing)
• 2027: schedules first Annual Wellness Visit (12 months after IPPE)

Coverage: $0 cost for IPPE (100% Part B). Annual Part B premium $174.70 (2024 standard).

Example 2: DeKalb 67 — 2-year SSDI to Medicare

Profile: 67-year-old DeKalb resident, on SSDI for 23 months due to disabling rheumatoid arthritis.

Timeline:

• Month 25 of SSDI: automatic enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B
• IEP: month 22-28 of SSDI (3 months before and 3 months after the 25th month)
• Part D selection during IEP — beneficiary on biologic for RA, requires specialty Part D
• IPPE scheduled at Emory Rheumatology coordination with primary care
• AWV begins 12 months after IPPE

Coverage: Standard Part B + IRMAA if income exceeds threshold. IPPE $0.

Example 3: Cobb 66 — Late IEP + missed Medigap window

Profile: 66-year-old Cobb resident, did not enroll in Part B during IEP because he was uncertain about needing it (was on COBRA, not active employer coverage).

Consequences:

• COBRA does NOT qualify as "active employer coverage" for SEP purposes
• Missed IEP, must wait until GEP (January 1-March 31) of following year
• GEP enrollment: 10% Part B late enrollment penalty per 12 months of delay (permanent)
• Missed Medigap Open Enrollment Period — at age 66+, no longer eligible for guaranteed-issue Medigap; medical underwriting applies
• Beneficiary has hypertension and prior MI — likely denied or charged significantly higher Medigap premiums

Lesson: COBRA does not satisfy SEP requirements. Always enroll in Part B during IEP unless actively employed.

Example 4: Worth 65 — Rural IPPE at Phoebe Putney

Profile: 65-year-old Worth County rural resident, recently retired, IEP April-October 2026.

Timeline:

• May 2026 (birthday month): enrolls in Part A, Part B, Part D
• June 2026: schedules IPPE at Phoebe Putney Primary Care (Albany)
• July 2026: IPPE visit — comprehensive assessment, referrals for diabetes screening (positive family history), screening colonoscopy (initial 50, now 65 follow-up), bone density (postmenopausal)
• Phoebe Putney pharmacy navigator counsels on Part D plan selection

Coverage: $0 for IPPE. Annual Part B premium.

Example 5: Bibb 67 — GEP enrollment + 1-year penalty

Profile: 67-year-old Bibb County (Macon) resident, did not enroll during IEP because he believed Medicare was "too expensive."

Timeline:

• Missed IEP (age 65, July 2024)
• Realized mistake in October 2025 (age 66)
• GEP enrollment: January 1, 2026
• Coverage effective: July 1, 2026 (GEP delayed coverage)
• Lifetime Part B penalty: 10% (for 12-23 months of delay)
• Part D enrollment also delayed — Part D LEP applies

Lesson: Enroll in Part B during IEP regardless of perceived need; the penalty is permanent.

Example 6: Hall 65 — ESRD 3-month waiting period

Profile: 65-year-old Hall County (Gainesville) resident, newly diagnosed with ESRD requiring dialysis.

Timeline:

• ESRD diagnosis: January 2026
• Dialysis begins: February 2026
• Medicare ESRD eligibility starts after 3-month waiting period: May 2026
• (Eligibility can be waived if home dialysis training begins; this beneficiary chose in-center dialysis)
• Enrolls in Part A, Part B, Part D
• IPPE scheduled within first 12 months of Part B
• Coordinates with NGMC Nephrology

Coverage: ESRD-specific Medicare benefits + standard Part A/B/D.

Frequently asked questions

1. What is the Welcome to Medicare Package?

The Welcome to Medicare Package is the federal beneficiary onboarding bundle including the IPPE ("Welcome to Medicare Visit"), CMS Welcome Mailing, Medicare card, "Medicare & You" Handbook, and the various enrollment periods (IEP, GEP, AEP, MA OEP, SEPs).

2. What is the IPPE?

The Initial Preventive Physical Examination, established by Section 611 of the MMA 2003 and codified at Section 1861(ww) SSA / HCPCS G0402. Once-in-a-lifetime preventive visit available within the first 12 months of Part B enrollment.

3. What is the difference between IPPE and AWV?

IPPE is once-in-a-lifetime within first 12 months of Part B. AWV is annual, beginning 12 months after IPPE (or 12 months after Part B without IPPE). AWV established by Section 4103 ACA, HCPCS G0438/G0439.

4. What does the IPPE include?

Health status review, risk factors, BMI, blood pressure, visual acuity, end-of-life planning, cognitive screening, depression screening, functional ability, home safety, written preventive services schedule, referrals.

5. What does the IPPE cost?

$0 — 100% Part B coverage with no coinsurance or deductible.

6. When does my Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) start?

3 months before your 65th birthday month (e.g., birthday in May → IEP starts February).

7. When does IEP end?

3 months after your 65th birthday month.

8. What is the General Enrollment Period (GEP)?

January 1 - March 31 each year, for beneficiaries who missed IEP. Coverage effective July 1, with permanent Part B late enrollment penalty.

9. What is the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)?

October 15 - December 7 each year for Part D and Medicare Advantage plan changes effective January 1.

10. What is the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period?

January 1 - March 31 each year. Permits one MA plan change OR switch from MA to Original Medicare. Cannot switch from Original to MA.

11. What is the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

6-month one-time window beginning on the first day of the month in which the beneficiary is both 65+ AND enrolled in Part B. Guaranteed-issue Medigap with no medical underwriting.

12. What happens if I miss the Medigap Open Enrollment Period?

Medigap insurers can apply medical underwriting, deny coverage, or charge higher premiums. This is a major risk for beneficiaries with pre-existing conditions.

13. What is the Part B late enrollment penalty?

10% per 12 months of delay, applied to Part B premium permanently.

14. What is the Part D late enrollment penalty?

1% of national base beneficiary premium per month of delay, applied permanently.

15. Am I automatically enrolled in Medicare?

If you are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits or SSDI when you turn 65, yes — automatic enrollment in Part A and Part B. Otherwise, you must apply through Social Security.

16. Do I need Part D if I don't take many medications?

Strongly recommended. Even if you take few medications, the Part D late enrollment penalty is permanent and applies if you delay enrollment without creditable coverage.

17. Can I delay Part B if I have employer coverage?

Yes, with a qualifying SEP. You must have active employer coverage (employee or working spouse). COBRA does NOT qualify.

18. What is the SSDI 25-month rule?

After 24 months of SSDI, you are eligible for Medicare. Automatic enrollment occurs in the 25th month.

19. What about ESRD eligibility?

3-month waiting period in most cases. Can be reduced or waived for home dialysis training or kidney transplant.

20. What about ALS?

Immediate Medicare eligibility upon ALS diagnosis (no waiting period). Automatic enrollment with SSDI approval.

21. Can I switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare?

Yes, during AEP (October 15-December 7) or MA OEP (January 1-March 31). Note: switching to Original Medicare after the Medigap Open Enrollment Period may result in inability to obtain Medigap.

22. How do I find a Medicare Advantage plan in Georgia?

Medicare.gov/plan-compare or contact GeorgiaCares SHIP (1-866-552-4464). Major Georgia MA plans: Humana, UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Anthem, Wellcare, Cigna, Kaiser Permanente Georgia, Alignment Health Plan.

23. Can I get free help with Medicare enrollment?

Yes. GeorgiaCares SHIP (1-866-552-4464) provides free counseling. Medicare Rights Center (1-800-333-4114) offers national support.

24. What is "Medicare & You"?

CMS annual handbook mailed in September to all beneficiaries covering benefits, plan options, enrollment rules. Available at medicare.gov.

25. Where can I get more information?

Medicare 1-800-MEDICARE; SSA 1-800-772-1213; GeorgiaCares SHIP 1-866-552-4464; Medicare.gov; SSA.gov.

Get help

• Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), Medicare.gov
• Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213, ssa.gov
• GeorgiaCares SHIP: 1-866-552-4464
• Medicare Rights Center: 1-800-333-4114
• Georgia DCH Member Services: 1-866-211-0950
• Atlanta Legal Aid: 404-377-0701
• GA Legal Services: 1-800-498-9469
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116
• 211 Georgia: 211.org
• Humana: 1-800-457-4708
• UnitedHealthcare Medicare: 1-800-721-0627
• Aetna Medicare: 1-800-282-5366
• Anthem Medicare: 1-833-919-1577
• Wellcare: 1-833-444-9088
• Cigna Medicare: 1-800-668-3813
• Kaiser Permanente Georgia: 1-888-865-5813
• Alignment Health Plan: 1-833-242-2223
• Patient Advocate Foundation: 1-800-532-5274

This article is part of Brevy's Georgia Medicaid and Medicare resource library. Last verified May 14, 2026. Medicare enrollment rules and IPPE requirements are subject to CMS updates; verify current policy at medicare.gov and cms.gov.