Skip to content
How-to · Health care

File a federal health-information privacy complaint

You can file a written health-information privacy or security complaint with HHS OCR. The usual filing limit is 180 days from learning of the act or omission; OCR may extend it for good cause.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Describe the entity and conductIdentify the involved covered entity, business associate or relevant Part 2 records holder, and describe what you believe violated the applicable rules. File within 180 days of learning of the act or omission, unless OCR accepts good cause for an extension.
  2. Complete the OCR online complaintOpen the OCR Complaint Portal, choose a complaint type, provide your information and complaint details, electronically sign and complete the consent form. You can then print a copy for your records.

More health care how-tos

  • How-to

    Add Medicare Part B after employer coverage ends

    Health care
    1. Check the employer-coverage special enrollment periodIf active employer group coverage through you or your spouse covered you since 65 and ended within the last eight months, SSA says you can enroll in Part B without a penalty under this special enrollment period.
    2. Apply online or send the required formsApply online when ending employer coverage. For fax or mail, complete CMS-40B and, for the special enrollment period, CMS-L564; send completed forms to your Social Security office.
    Social Security Administration
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Apply for Medicare Part D Extra Help

    Health care
    1. Gather financial informationGather bank statements, tax returns, IRA or 401(k) balances, and statements for pensions, veterans benefits, annuities and Railroad Retirement Board benefits for you and your spouse.
    2. Apply online or arrange an appointmentApply through SSA’s online application, which asks about income and resources. For an appointment, call 800-772-1213 and ask to apply for Part D Extra Help.
    Social Security Administration
    Full guideOfficial page
  • How-to

    Ask Social Security to lower a Medicare income surcharge

    Health care
    1. Use SSA-44 for a life-changing eventSign in to fill out and submit SSA-44, Medicare Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount–Life Changing Event. Listed events include marriage, divorce, death of a spouse, loss of income and an employer settlement payment.
    2. Use mail or fax if neededComplete SSA-44 and fax or mail it with evidence to a Social Security office.
    3. Call for an amended tax returnIf your request is based on an amended income-tax return, call 800-772-1213 and ask about lowering IRMAA.
    Social Security Administration
    Full guideOfficial page