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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E T.
1. Which office do I contact for Home Care benefits if I have Medicare Advantage Plan? I reside in Elk Grove but am willing to travel to Sacramento or nearby locations.
2. Where and how do I contact a social worker or Medicare representative to help me navigate the intricacies of the system ?
3.. What is the definition of “skilled Nursing Facilities:?
V.V.
Hi there. Thanks for using our blog. Please contact your Medicare Advantage Plan directly for questions related to coverage.
To reach a Medicare representative, call 1-800-MEDICARE (TTY 1-877-486-2048) or visit http://www.medicare.gov for information. You also can request information about how to contact your State Health Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (SHIP). The SHIP offers help with your Medicare questions.
Janet
Need to know if Medicare will pay for retro medical bills, after 25 month waiting period, even though one has had
Obamacare, or subsidized , lousy health coverage through the Marketplace.
No one seems to be able to answer this question, not Social Security or the Medicare departments.
Frustrating trying to manage one’s finances accordingly.
Gary
Where should I send a W-4V withholding form for social security income?
Laura D.
I want to voluntarily withhold more from my SS, who do I send the W-4V form to??
Paula W.
I was thinking about retiring in August when I turn 65, however, I currently work full time and make $40k a year. How do I figure out how much SS I will draw from Aug – Dec based on my income prior to that? I worry that I may not draw enough SS and may need to put off retiring until after December.
Michael R.
Our joint income has decreased from 2017 to 2018, in part, because I retired January 2018. Our MAGI has dropped at least one bracket because of this. Who do I write to for reduced IRMMA’s for 2019? Do I need a form or is a letter with explanations sufficient?
Msajan
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Msajan
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Marisol P.
What do I need to do when is time for me to become 65?
V.V.
Hi Marisol. 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.
Sally J.
I am confused about what form to fill out to get my Social Security sent to me starting on my 65th Birthday-4-17-19. Can someone send me a link to it on my phone…as a .pdf ? I printed off the SSA-1-BK. Is that the right form? thank you, Sally Crackel