Many providers do not know there is a free resource available to them from Medicare called C-SNAP.  What is C-SNAP?  It's a tool on your local Medicare page that allows you to look up claim status and eligibility.  For the State of Minnesota and all states that have WPS as a carrier, just click on the WPS link and you will see how to sign up.  If your Medicare carrier is not WPS, just go to your carrier's website and search for C-SNAP and you will find the link to enroll.  Why do the carriers vary from state to state?  Medicare is a federally funded program and they request bids from the private sector to manage their plans.  Different companies from Blue Cross Blue Shield, to Noridian or Cigna may get the bids.  Hence, each state may vary as to the management of the plan.