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.
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About the Author
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Darlynda Bogle, Assistant Deputy Commissioner
Comments
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Edith C.
I need a replacement card.
Ann C.
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.
Penny L.
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.)
Tina H.
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.
Ann C.
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.
ALLYN m.
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.
Ann C.
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.
Robin F.
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
Michael
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?
Ann C.
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.
Gustavo A.
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 )
Ann C.
Hi, Gustavo. We do not usually make random calls. If anyone receives calls saying that they are from Social Security, do not give out any personal information. Suspicious calls should be reported to the Office of the Inspector General at 1-800-269-0271 or online. You can find additional information here. If anyone receives calls saying they are from Medicare, you can contact Medicare directly to determine if the call was legitimate. You may also wish to contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to file a report. We hope this helps.
Abraham A.
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?
Joseph B.
I was advised that there are problems with my account and that my payments have stopped. who should I contact.
Ann C.
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.
Lewis S.
I Am already Receiving SSA benefits, My question is Am I already enrolled for Medicare? Please Let me know, Thank You
Ann C.
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.