Parts A and B of this subchapter, referred to in subsec. (a), are classified to sections 1395c et seq. and 1395j et seq., respectively, of this title.

2003—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–173 inserted at end “The Secretary shall provide, through the toll-free telephone number 1–800–MEDICARE, for a means by which individuals seeking information about, or assistance with, such programs who phone such toll-free number are transferred (without charge) to appropriate entities for the provision of such information or assistance. Such toll-free number shall be the toll-free number listed for general information and assistance in the annual notice under subsection (a) of this section instead of the listing of numbers of individual contractors.”

1997—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–33 added subsec. (c).

1994—Pub. L. 103–432 inserted “; medicare and medigap information” in section catchline, designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), and added subsec. (b).

Section 4311(a)(2) of Pub. L. 105–33 provided that: “The amendment made by this subsection [amending this section] shall apply to notices provided on or after January 1, 1998.”

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–432 effective as if included in the enactment of Pub. L. 101–508, see section 171(l) of Pub. L. 103–432, set out as a note under section 1395ss of this title.

Section 223(d)(1) of Pub. L. 100–360 provided that: “The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall first distribute the notice required by the amendment made by subsection (a) [enacting this section] not later than January 31, 1989.”

Pub. L. 108–173, title IX, § 923(d)(2), Dec. 8, 2003, 117 Stat. 2395, provided that:

“(A) Study.—The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study to monitor the accuracy and consistency of information provided to individuals entitled to benefits under part A [probably means part A of title XVIII of the Social Security Act which is classified to part A of this subchapter] or enrolled under part B [probably means part B of title XVIII of the Social Security Act which is classified to part B of this subchapter], or both, through the toll-free telephone number 1–800–MEDICARE, including an assessment of whether the information provided is sufficient to answer questions of such individuals. In conducting the study, the Comptroller General shall examine the education and training of the individuals providing information through such number.

“(B) Report.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Dec. 8, 2003], the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report on the study conducted under subparagraph (A).”

For provisions relating to changes required to conform State regulatory programs to amendments by section 171 of Pub. L. 103–432, see section 171(m) of Pub. L. 103–432, set out as a note under section 1395ss of this title.

Section 4361(b) of Pub. L. 101–508 provided that: “The Secretary of Health and Human Services is authorized to conduct demonstration projects in up to 5 States for the purpose of establishing statewide toll-free telephone numbers for providing information on medicare benefits, medicare supplemental policies available in the State, and benefits under the State medicaid program.”

Pub. L. 101–234, title II, § 203(c), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1984, provided that: “The Secretary of Health and Human Services shall provide, in the notice of medicare benefits provided under section 1804 of the Social Security Act [this section] for 1990, for a description of the changes in benefits under title XVIII of such Act [this subchapter] made by the amendments made by this Act [see Tables for classification].”

Section 424 of Pub. L. 100–360, which directed Secretary of Health and Human Services to establish a demonstration project to demonstrate that its volunteers were adequately trained and competent to render effective benefits counseling and assistance to the elderly, was repealed by Pub. L. 101–234, title III, § 301(a), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1985.