Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare?

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" "Sometimes it’s confusing to know who to contact and for what. Social Security and Medicare offer related services, so people aren’t always certain who does what. This “cheat sheet” can help.

Contact Social Security to:

  • See if you’re eligible for Medicare;
  • Create a my Social Security account to do things like request a replacement Medicare card and report a change of address, name, or phone number;
  • Sign up for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance);
  • Apply for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) costs;
  • Report a death; and
  • Appeal an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) decision (for people who pay a higher Part B and/or Part D premium if their income is over a certain amount).

Find information on how to do all of this and more on Social Security’s Medicare website.

Contact Medicare to:

  • See what services Medicare covers;
  • Get detailed information about Medicare health and prescription drug plans in your area, including costs and services;
  • Choose and enroll in a Medicare health or prescription drug plan that meets your needs;
  • Find a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy in your area;
  • Find doctors, health care providers, and suppliers who participate in Medicare;
  • Get information and forms for filing a Medicare appeal or for letting someone speak with Medicare on your behalf;
  • Compare the quality of care provided by plans, nursing homes, hospitals, home health agencies, and dialysis facilities; and
  • View Medicare publications.

Visit the Medicare website for more information on these services.

If you need to find out your claim status, find out deductibles, or get answers to premium payment questions, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY: 1-877-486-2048).

Determining who to contact is the first step in getting the answers you need. Please share these lists with family and friends who need to know more about Social Security and Medicare.

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118 thoughts on “Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare?”

  2. These are questions that we make ourselves so often. Thank you for clarifying and giving such a clear answers.

    Thank you
    Teresita Bague xxxxxx7176

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  3. Who do I contact when my medical issues determined by the Social Security Disability Administration.
    Become a major issue and moving forward?
    56 years old partial foot amputee what’s skeletal muscle disease.
    Homeless and going to school at Stafford Career Institute

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Aaron. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. You may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps!

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  4. I feel I have been charged too much by a doctor during my 2nd office visit for the year 2018. My deductible for this year is $183.00. I have paid out $112. for the first visit, and $175.29 for the second visit (different doctors). Making a total of $287.20 and an over charge of $104.20. Can you please tell me who I should contact to correct error?

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  5. I already applied for my social security retirement since I was 62 years old,. My social security number-*** – ** – ***

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  6. I don’t have Medicare yet but do have Medicaid. I just applied for early retirement. Does SSA need anything else? I need to change my direct deposit though because Direct Express customer services is almost completely unavailable for my account problems. I cannot access the Direct Express website on my computer. All I can do is check the balance and activities on my cellphone. This is a serious problem because I cannot print a document I need to report my income to DHHS. WE MIGHT LOSE OUR SNAP BENEFITS. I tried to get help months ago but was told that a message would be made to an account tech. I repeated a few times and nothing has happened

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  7. I have a question, I collect as a survivor benefit from Social Security I am 66 year old. I have worked for over 20 years. I do not work now. My question is can I collect the survivor benefit & also social security for myself?

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    • Hi. If your friend is already getting Social Security retirement benefits, they will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because an individual must pay a premium for Part B coverage, they have the option of turning it down. If they are not already getting retirement benefits, they should contact us about three months before their 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. They can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65. To learn more, check out our Medicare publication. We hope this helps.

      Reply ↓

    • Hi, Wayne. Thanks for your question. We do not offer grants. However, the individual may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which they live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in their area and find out if they qualify, they will need to contact their state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps!

      Reply ↓

  13. I have had Diabetes for seversl years I didn’t know about disability social security is it to late for me to change to that? I have had a stroke and heart attack can’t walk and need around the clock help it’s very expensive and the disability social security would help pay for my care

    Reply ↓

    • When you apply for disability you list all of your medical conditions. While one condition may not qualify you, a combination of your medical conditions very well could. I recommend that you contact a disability attorney as the process can be quite difficult.

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    • Hi, Evelyn. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Social Security does not offer caregiver assistance. As far as your question regarding disability, Disability Benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or to end in death. We pay disability benefits through two programs: the Social Security Disability Insurance program (SSDI), and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a needs-based disability program that pays benefits to people with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or age 65 or older. The SSDI program provides benefits to insured disabled or blind adults covered by workers’ contributions to the Social Security trust funds. If you feel that you meet our definition of disability, you can contact us to discuss your specific case. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. We hope this information helps.

      Reply ↓

  14. thanks for getting our checks out in a timely fashion.
    I don’t get much in SS although I can’t see out of my left eye due to a botched cataract op and can’t hear out of my left ear. Is there any chance of adding to my small SS check?

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  15. I have bc bs through my employer. I’m retired now. Do i keep my ins bc bs and enroll in medicare too?
    Wil l bc bs become a supplement?

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  17. I’m on SSD a d judg received s one lump sum for a workers comp claim.
    Will you reduce the amount of SSD I get monthly?
    My attorney has paperwork with an actuaries number for me which is 26.8 years. The award was averaged out to be $14. 78 a month based on these figures. Please advise if I mail this information to SS or do you call and try to explain it?

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  19. I applied for my social security online 24 days ago.
    I’ve not had any calls or emails from anyone in the administration to ask me anything. When I applied online it stated I should get my first payment 15 days after I applied. A friend of mine received hers within 2 weeks after applying. I’ve made many calls and left messages to the office that is supposed to be handling my claim but have not received any calls back. Online my account still shows to be in the initial stage. Do I need to go to a local office?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Brenda. We are sorry to hear about your experience. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. and ask for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask for a supervisor on your next visit or call. We hope this is resolved soon.

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  20. HOW DO WE CONTACT SOCIAL SECURITY OFFICE??? I called and the recording said basically ‘we’re too busy to take your call, sorry, have a nice day.’ Really???

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  22. I have been trying to enroll in Medicare Part B. I mailed my enrollment application on 2/13, contacted by phone twice (called several times), and spent hours on the website. My current coverage from work expired yesterday. I am waiting for a return call (over 1 hour 15 minutes now). My phone number is 770-862-2078.

    Please help.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Edwin. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue; therefore, we do not do direct calling. If you already have Medicare Part A and wish to sign up for Medicare Part B, it may be best to contact or visit your local Social Security office. Representatives are available Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).Generally, you’ll have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps!

      Reply ↓

  24. I am receiving retirement benefits from Social Security to my residence in Vancouver Canada. Two days ago, while visiting my daughter in Los Angeles, my wallet was lost including my Medicare card.

    While still down here in LA, is it possible to get a replacement? Obviously, since my files are up in Canada, I do NOT have my SS number handy.

    My correspondence address remains:
    7765 Jasper Crescent
    Vancouver, BC V5P 3T1

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  25. I would like to know why my social security benefit was less march 2019 then usual my social security number is *** – ** – *** i went on phone tried to wait and there was .long wait and kept cutting me off

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  29. Thank you for sending me this email. I am still new to Medicare and do not have SSI income yet. I needed to know when my next payment for Medicare would be due. I will call Medicare.

    Thank you very much!

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Donald. If you wish to terminate your enrollment, we will help you submit a signed request for termination or Form CMS-1763. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires, when possible, a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wishes to terminate entitlement. Therefore, we do not offer form CMS-1763 online. For an interview, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or go to your local office. Thanks!

      Reply ↓

  31. I Am already Receiving SSA benefits, My question is Am I already enrolled for Medicare? Please Let me know, Thank You

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    • Thanks for your question, Lewis. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65. To learn more, check out our publication about Medicare. We hope this helps.

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  32. I was advised that there are problems with my account and that my payments have stopped. who should I contact.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Joseph. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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  33. How do I claim for ss/medicare when l am in a foreign country?
    What will i do if i jave go visit a doctor or to be admitted to a hospital or health facility?

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  34. How do I report a possible Medicare scam?, I have received several phone calls from a.c. 619, claiming to be Medicare, asking for personal info. to send us new benefits and activating part B!!!, clearly, a scam???

    My sister has also received such calls.

    We never provide any into.

    954-993-8277 ( cell )

    Reply ↓

  35. Why does the 800-772-1213 phone number have a message that Social Security is closed? It is Monday, March 4, 2019, at 9:50am EST. When will Social Security be open again?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Michael. We are sorry you had difficulty reaching us by telephone. If you still need assistance, you can click “Get Help” in your personal my Social Security account to “Ask a Question”. Click “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. Please keep in mind that most Social Security business does not require a call or visit to a local field office. Many services, including applying for retirement, disability and Medicare benefits, creating a my Social Security account, replacing a Medicare card, or reporting a change of address or telephone number are conveniently available anytime at http://www.socialsecurity.gov. We hope this helps.

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  36. Can I walk into the Social Security office in San Rafael CA. To get answers to an entitlement issue with my Medical enrollment. I received a letter stating there were questions about my enrollment over a month ago. The deadline was March 2, 2019. I have called every day for two weeks , sometimes twice a day, left messages and I am still waiting for a call back.
    Your attention would be greatly appreciated.
    Robin Milancy Fleming

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  37. I have questions about medicare insurance premiums A and B automatically deducted from social security without a statement showing I received any social security monthly. After asking about a 1099 form I was given a sheet showing I received over 4200 and still was not enough . I am requesting a one on one meeting to go over my social security – medicare adjustments.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Allyn. We are sorry to hear about your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. You do not have to make an appointment to come in to our offices, but with an appointment, you will be helped before our walk-in customers. You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and a representative will assist you. In most cases, you can handle your business by phone. Thanks.

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  38. I have been trying to get a hold of federal disability for some time with more and more questions, need help and where to go for what, my SSDI identity was stolen by 2 people in Texas and I did report it but no action has taken place for 1-2 years, I need emergency financial assistance for my service dog and being able to live to pay bills, I live in South Dakota and the DSS/DHS has been negative help with no more individual caseworkers and with brain injuries, complex ptsd, ongoing trauma and body health problems– I am unable to figure somethings out. There is absolutely no help for people with brain injuries much less anything else. I have been abused, taken for granted, money and my things stolen, my biological family who is very wealthy threw anything and everything of mine away, threatened me and much more. My health is not doing well with no help healing, relearning how to live again, etc. I need to talk with someone that understands and can help me with various things.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Tina. We are sorry to hear about your condition and situation. Unfortunately, your problem is a bit more than we can handle in this forum. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

      Reply ↓

  39. I never realized this would be SO hard. I wanted to change my address that you send my medicare info to. I was on hold for 20 minutes and got hung up on. I tried to log into my ss account on line. They said I already had one, so I tried to get the username and password they had for me. After 3 tries they shut me out! (I am 76 and not bery computer literate.)

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Edith. First, realize that you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing the Social Security number is what is important. To see if you’re eligible to apply for a replacement Social Security card online or to learn more on the process and what documents you will need to get a card please visit our Social Security Number and Card web page. Keep in mind all submitted documents must be either originals or copies certified by the issuing agency and must (unless otherwise indicated) have been issued within the last two years. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies of documents. Once you’ve submitted all the needed documents, it can take up to 10 business days from the date we received the application to mail a replacement card. We hope this helps.

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    • Hi, Ron. Thanks for your question. If you are already getting Social Security retirement benefits, you will be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B automatically. However, because you must pay a premium for Part B coverage, you have the option of turning it down. If you are not already getting retirement benefits, you should contact us about three months before your 65th birthday to sign up for Medicare. You can sign up for Medicare even if you do not plan to retire at age 65. To learn more about Medicare, check out our publication here. We hope this helps.

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  44. I need to contact Social Security about turning 62 and see if my pay changes. I can’t seem to get through on phone or computer so I will leave a message for you to contact me.

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  45. Please send me a telephone number for Social Security.
    I need to request a Award Letter. I tried to create an account and was unable to. I was a directed to call, but was not given a phone number.

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  46. I had a one-time unusual spike in taxable income in 2018; and do not expect to repeat it again in 2019. My Medicare premium for 2019 will no doubt increase. What do I do to avoid being taxed at a higher rate for 2020 and beyond?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi, Anthony. Thanks for your question. Did you know you could file for benefits online? You can schedule an appointment with your local office by calling us at 1-800-772-1213 between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to have one of our representatives assist you. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. Thanks, again!

      Reply ↓

  51. I’ve been told I need proof of my marriage even tho I have my divorce papers. I need to get Medicare and I’m having a really hard time paying for proof of my marriage. Is there someone that can help me get this resolved?

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    Reply ↓

  55. Is there a way to get a copy of this? I would like to post it in our Senior Center. It is the one on Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare.
    I think it would be helpful for the new retirees that come here.

    Reply ↓

  57. I keep getting calls that my social security number has been cancelled due to identity theft and that I am to call the Social Security Administration at 917-781-9129 immediately to avoid any disciplanary action. I worked for Social Security for over 30 years and since I have retired I get a lot of these weird calls. I have family and friends who question me as to what should be done. Most of them know not to call or give anyone their social security information. I know this number is in New York and I will not call them because I know 1-800-772-1213 is SSA’s phone number. Anyway who is doing this and how do I and others avoid this again. Thank you

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  58. Hello my name is Sandi King and I would like to make an appointment to met with a social security advisor.
    I am interested in meeting at your 1500 JFK Blvd. in Philadelphia, PA
    Would you please let me know some open appointment dates?
    Thank you for your time,
    Sandi King

    Reply ↓

  59. I am confused by the change in my social security payments. I need to know my username and password and have no idea how to retrieve them. The username and password I thought I had used are lost in the past. I currently receive some benefits. My name and email are below. Please let me know how to retrieve this information.

    Also, I have just had my benefits decreased, I think. Could you check and see if that is true and if it is, why.

    Reply ↓

    • Hello James, thank you for your question. For your security, we do not have access to your account information in this venue. If you are still having difficulty accessing your personal my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.

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  61. I am confused about what form to fill out to get my Social Security sent to me starting on my 65th Birthday-4-17-19. Can someone send me a link to it on my phone…as a .pdf ? I printed off the SSA-1-BK. Is that the right form? thank you, Sally Crackel

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  65. Our joint income has decreased from 2017 to 2018, in part, because I retired January 2018. Our MAGI has dropped at least one bracket because of this. Who do I write to for reduced IRMMA’s for 2019? Do I need a form or is a letter with explanations sufficient?

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  66. I was thinking about retiring in August when I turn 65, however, I currently work full time and make $40k a year. How do I figure out how much SS I will draw from Aug – Dec based on my income prior to that? I worry that I may not draw enough SS and may need to put off retiring until after December.

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  69. Need to know if Medicare will pay for retro medical bills, after 25 month waiting period, even though one has had
    Obamacare, or subsidized , lousy health coverage through the Marketplace.
    No one seems to be able to answer this question, not Social Security or the Medicare departments.
    Frustrating trying to manage one’s finances accordingly.

    Reply ↓

  70. 1. Which office do I contact for Home Care benefits if I have Medicare Advantage Plan? I reside in Elk Grove but am willing to travel to Sacramento or nearby locations.
    2. Where and how do I contact a social worker or Medicare representative to help me navigate the intricacies of the system ?
    3.. What is the definition of “skilled Nursing Facilities:?

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  72. I have Medicare Part A and my company’s health Insurance. I’m moving to Switzerland to work for my company there. Switzerland has a national health Insurance system which every resident must purchase. There is no corporate provide health care. I will have healthcare through the Swiss national health system until I retire and return to the US. I do not want to lose my ability to enroll in Part B without penalty. What do I need to do?

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Jay, thank you for your question. It sounds like you are currently covered under a group health plan based on your current employment which means you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP allows you to sign up for Medicare Part B after age 65. You have an 8-month SEP to sign up for Part A and/or Part B that starts at one of these times (whichever happens first):
      • The month after the employment ends
      • The month after group health plan insurance based on current employment ends.

      Usually, you don’t pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a SEP.

      Please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 if you need further assistance and to enroll in Part B in your SEP. Representatives are available Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

      Reply ↓

  73. As a person receiving social security ,well for trying to request a new or replacement social security card by going online the questions asked on the form to make the request this card I, have been having problems getting this card so my answer is just replace the card by the information in my records ,this information should be enough .surely this office just failing me each and every time to get this card.

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Herman, thank you for your question. First, realize you may not need a replacement card. You will rarely need to show it. Knowing your Social Security number is what is important. However, if you must get a replacement card, and you can’t do it online, then you can apply by mail or visit your local office with required documentation. All documents must be either originals or certified copies. To learn more on how to get a replacement card and see if you can apply online, please visit our “Social Security Number and Card” web page.

      Reply ↓

  74. of the $135.00 deducted from my social security how much of this $135.00 is paid to my insurance co. aetna

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