Medicare

Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare?

February 28, 2019 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

" "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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About the Author

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner

Comments

  1. Esmeralda G.

    I applied for Medicare at social security office on October 10th, three months before my 65th birthday. How long does it take to get a Medicare card?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Esmeralda. For your security, we do not have access to personal information in this venue. Typically, you can expect to receive your Medicare card within 30 days of when you are first eligible. We suggest you continue to work with your local office to inquire about the status of your card. We hope this helps.

  2. John B.

    I have not received this months disability check?? I have to pay rent and all of the 1500.00 does that

    • A.C.

      Hi, John. 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. If you still need to report a late, missing, or stolen Social Security payment, check out our Frequently Asked Questions for further instructions. We hope this helps.

  3. Diana V.

    I am trying to get Medicaid appeal

    • L.A.

      Hi Diana. Please call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY, 1-877-486-2048) for assistance. You may also wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your options. We hope this helps.

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  5. Mink

  6. Aldo A.

    My name is aldo a. borche, last 4 digit ss# 3816. I try to terminate de part B medicare because I live outside of us.I not need ,I have in Uruguay my own health insurance no be need to use medicare part b, form 1763. I try to feeling such form but no lock,please help mi to deal with. thank.

    • A.C.

      Hi, Aldo. Since you are living outside of the U.S. you can contact your local Federal Benefits Unit for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Also, our Office of International Operations home page provides more information to assist our customers living abroad. We hope this helps.

  7. Michael R.

    If I am being wrongfully denied Medicare by the SSA, how can I escalate past a local supervisor? I spent many hours at the SSA office, talked to a supervisor that sent me to medicare, which just sent me back to SSA … I need a definitive path to resolve the issues.
    Thx MR

    • L.A.

      Hi, Michael. We are sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately, but for your security, we do not have access to personal information in this forum. In your situation, we recommend you continue working with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next visit or call. You may also wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your options. We hope this is resolved soon.

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  9. Barry D.

    I am turning 65 in January. I am going to remain working and participating in my employers health benefit plan. What or who do i need to contact to ensure I am not automatically enrolled in Medicare?

    • A.C.

      Hi, Barry. Unless you are currently receiving benefits, you will not be automatically enrolled in Medicare. For any additional 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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