The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) spruced up its Medicare.gov website. A redesign of the Medicare homepage includes enhanced search features and improved functionality for mobile devices to make content more accessible for beneficiaries and their families.

A prominently displayed search box allows beneficiaries to easily learn whether a specific test, item or service is covered by original Medicare. Brightly colored buttons situated close by allow seniors to log into their account, apply for Medicare, and find health and drug plans. Below are three drop-down menus that offer help with missing insurance cards, locating answers to frequently asked questions and finding providers to talk to. Mobile functions include help with costs, a searchable database of health plans and electronic access to mailed messages.

“We did a lot of research into what sort of information beneficiaries and their caregivers wanted most at their fingertips, and I think users will find the redesign helpful,” said CMS Acting Administrator Marilyn Tavenner in an Aug. 21 statement. “We’ve simplified the language and the homepage layout to make it easier and faster for visitors to get answers and a better understanding of Medicare necessary to get more control over their healthcare.”

Visit Medicare.gov to view the updated website.