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Quick question - has anyone here successfully lowered their Medicare costs? I'm in the same boat as OP and could use some pointers.
unpopular opinion: the whole system needs an overhaul. it's ridiculous that we have to jump through so many hoops just to get basic help. 🤦♂️
Anyone else feel like the whole system is designed to be as frustrating as possible? 🙄 Good luck OP, you're gonna need it
Here's what I've learned after dealing with this for months: 1. Call right when they open. The queue is usually shorter. 2. If you get the survey, hang up and call back immediately. 3. Try different phone numbers if they have multiple listed. 4. Be super nice to the rep when you finally get one. They deal with angry people all day. 5. Have all your info ready before you call. 6. If all else fails, see if you can schedule online or via email. Hope this helps someone! Stay persistent, you'll get through eventually.
have u tried faxing them? I know it sounds old school but sometimes it works when nothing else does lol
Dylan Wright
when my husband died two years ago i had so much trouble with survivor benefits.... just keep calling til you get someone nice. theres good people and mean people at every office
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Fatima Al-Farsi
Just to give you some peace of mind about your survivor benefits application - even if there was somehow an issue with your appointment (which is unlikely), you won't lose any benefits. Survivor benefits can be paid retroactively for up to six months from your application date. So even if you have to reschedule, you'll still receive all the benefits you're entitled to from your initial contact date. The SSA considers your first contact about applying as your protective filing date, which preserves your benefits while you complete the actual application. But definitely verify your appointment using the methods others have suggested. The national number (800-772-1213) is your best bet if you don't see anything in your online account.
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Amara Eze
•Oh that's such a relief! I was worried I'd lose money if my application got delayed. Knowing about the protective filing date helps a lot. Thank you!
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