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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Barb M.
Is it mandatory to sign up for Social Security before signing up for Medicare?
James C.
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.
Kenny O.
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.
Sandi K.
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
Sheila V.
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
Benjamin J.
I cannot remember my login information for My Social Security account. What telephone number do I contact?
Casandra S.
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.
Joseph E.
I need to change my mailing address. How do I do it?
Vonda V.
Hi Joseph. If you get Social Security benefits (retirement, survivors, or disability) or are enrolled in Medicare, you can create a my Social Security account to change your address online.
If you get SSI, do not have a U.S. mailing address, or are unable to change your address online, you can:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
If you do not receive Social Security benefits, SSI or Medicare, you do not need to change your address with us.
Jack S.
The system does not recognize my name, SSN, and date of birth. Please help.
Vonda V.
Hi Jack, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may:
•Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
•Contact your local Social Security office.
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Jacquita H.
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?
Vonda V.
Hi Jacquita, thank you for your question. For your security, we do not have access to your information in this venue. To inquire about required documentation and ask for assistance with obtaining documents, you will need to contact your local Social Security office or call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives are available to help you Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.