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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April
Thank You,
anthony p.
how can i make a appointment to star receiving social security. my zip code 18966
Ann C.
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!
Miguel P.
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Jerrold M.
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?
Ann C.
Hi, Jerrold. It sounds like you are referring to the Medicare income-related monthly adjustment where individuals are subject to a higher premium for Medicare Part B based on income reported on federal income tax returns. The higher premium applies to individuals with an income greater than $85,000 and married couples with income greater than $170,000. For more information, check out our publication, Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher-Income Beneficiaries. Thanks!
Mary G.
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.
Ann C.
Hi, Mary. If you are still unable to create an account or encounter a problem with 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. Your local office can also assist with a benefit verification. We hope this helps.
James F.
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.
Ann C.
Hi, James. We are sorry you have had difficulty reaching us by telephone. If you still need assistance, click “Get Help” in your personal my Social Security account to “Ask a Question”. Click “Talk to an Expert” for a call back. We hope this helps.
ck
These two links from above do not work:
“There is so much to learn about this issue. I encourage you to visit the Administration for Community Living
and http://www.ncea.aoa.gov for more information.”
Ron P.
I am currently collecting social security.
Do I need to sign up for medicare?
Ann C.
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.
Clinton G.
Is Medicare changing cards?
Ann C.
Hi, Clinton. You can visit here for more information about the new Medicare cards. Thanks!