You can give authorization over the telephone or in writing. Below is a list of information Medicare needs in order to release your information to someone else. Your date of birth Specify what information can be released and who can receive it. Your full name Indicate for how long you are authorizing the release. Telephone authorizations are only valid for two business days.
Written authorization can be valid up to one year.
However, if you are unable to give permission, you should have your family contact the Social Security Administration office to have a Legal Representative appointed to act on your behalf. The Privacy Act does not apply to deceased beneficiaries. Anyone can receive information when the beneficiary is deceased and there is no legal representative on file. However, your Medicare number is always protected. They will notify Medicare.