Who to Contact: Social Security or Medicare?
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast 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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Comments
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Chris P.
Great job mate! I really appreciate Your work. I hope you will keep posting good articles! Social security and medicare both are really important.concrete
Martin c.
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Greg W.
This what I was searing google from the last 5 days. My friend looking to cover some medicare. So he also confused who tp contact. But right now I can share this topic with him. Thanks for helping
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Andrew
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Charlene E.
When can I expect to receive my Medicare/Medical cards? I turn 65 in October and I just want to be on the look out so I can enroll in a supplement plan.
Vonda V.
Hi Charlene, thanks for using our blog. If you already get Social Security benefits, we’ll automatically enroll you in Medicare Hospital Insurance (Part A) and Medical Insurance (Part B). We’ll mail you all the information you need a few months before you become eligible.
Leslie C.
I have been trying to find out if I must apply for Medicare or if it automatically comes out of the SS payments I already receive. I turn 65 in January. I have health insurance coverage through my husband. I do not want to miss an application deadline. Please let me know–how to get an application or that I do not need it–one way or the other. Thank you.
Vonda V.
Hi Leslie, thank you for using our blog. Generally, individuals receiving Social Security benefits are automatically enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. If you are at least 64 years and 9 months old and aren’t receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for Medicare A and B online.
If you are covered under a group health plan based on your or your spouse’s current employment, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that will let you 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.
You should always check with your health benefits advisor, or health plan representative to see what’s best for you.
If you still have questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 or you can contact your local Social Security office. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Thomas C.
I need a copy of my 1099 for 2019
Vonda V.
Hi Thomas, thanks for using our blog. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions web page on how to obtain a replacement 1099. You also may be able to request a replacement SSA-1099 by using our automated telephone service at 1-800-772-1213. You can conduct the automated services 24 hours a day. At the prompt, indicate that you’re requesting a replacement SSA-1099. We hope this helps.
M.Kiba
Applied Medicare and was required a document of DHS which should not be sent via mail but visit the office and show to the agent directly. However, for covid-19 the all offices are closed.
Called SS office. The agent told that I should send it via Fax. So, I sent via Fax. Then wanted to confirm if they received it but if the office is closed, who pick up the document?
This is security matter question.
Vonda V.
Hi M. Kiba, thanks for using our blog. You can contact your local Social Security office to inquire on the documents. Please look for the general inquiry telephone number at the Social Security Office Locator. The number may appear under Show Additional Office Information. Please be aware that our call wait times are longer than normal. We hope this information helps.
Monica G.
I would Like the address for the Social Security
Office in the USA
Kenny O.
Hi Monica, thanks for using our blog. For your nearest Social Security office check out our Social Security Office Locator for your local office mailing address and telephone number. Thanks.