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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Sharon A.
I’ve been disabled for 2 years..do I qualify for Medicare? I’m 64 yrs old
Henry W.
NEED ADDRESS TO SEND MY cms 1763 to cancel medicare
Helene S.
Applied and accepted for Medicare part A and B. Medicare card only showed Part A. Went to SS office and a new card was to be sent. Again it did not show Part B. Who to contact? Social Security not helpful – they did their part?
Bonnie G.
I have a hard ship claim in. To see about getting my Medicare paid. The lady at social security gave me the form said that I didn’t make much maybe I can get help. A Mr Johnson called a couple months back for some info. I haven’t heard anything about what’s happening. I would appreciate any help you can give me.
Ann C.
Hi, Bonnie. 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.
Laura W.
Need to pay my Medicare Insurance Premium that is now past due. Very anxious, Have been on hold for 1 hour now, but it is 6:00 p.m PST. Can someone call me back in order that I may be able to make my payment. My phone number is (818) 219-2385. My name is Laura
Whitefield. I assume your office is closed now, but I just get a repeated program message that someone will be with me shortly. I am assuming you are closed at this order. Would someone please call me back tomorrow 7/11/19 in order that I can make my payment.
Very truly yours,
Laura Whitefield
(818) 219-2385 Cell
(818) 704-9500 Office.
Thank you! I
Ann C.
Hi, Laura. We’re sorry that you had difficulty reaching someone by phone. We may have been experiencing higher than normal call volume. 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 again at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., or contact your local Social Security office, for assistance. Generally, you will have a shorter wait if you call later in the day. You can also 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.
CaSandra B.
>>When you apply for Social Security for disability are you able to still work while the application is being processed?
>>Are premiums for Medicare automatically deducted even if your already have coverage thru your spouse’s employment?
Ann C.
Hi, CaSandra. A person can work and apply for Social Security disability. We use a five-step process to decide if you are disabled. If you are working in 2019 and your earnings are more than $1,220 a month, we generally will not consider you disabled. The amount changes each year. The earliest age you can get Medicare Part A and B, is 65 unless you qualify while getting Social Security disability benefits. If you are already getting Social Security 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. Check out our publication, Medicare, for more information. Thanks!
Nannette
There is something wrong with your site! no one can create an account. The username NEVER is available especially if you have intentionally spelled something wrong to assure your username is unique. There is NO way that these usernames I have are taken by random people. These are super personal and i find it HIGHLY unlikely that there is someone out there swith the same combinations of these words!
Ingrid
What is the SSA address where I can send my completed CMS-1763 form? My husband works and I have health insurance on his plan. (Employer has more than 20 employees). I just became eligible for Medicare on 6/1/19.
Ann C.
Hi, Ingrid. Our policy requires, when possible, that a personal interview be conducted with everyone who wishes to terminate their Medicare Part B benefits. We can help you submit the required Form “CMS-1763/Request for Termination of Premium Hospital and /or Supplementary Medical Insurance”, or your signed request for termination. However, we need to speak to you personally before we terminate your Medicare benefits to be sure that you fully understand the consequences of doing so. You will have to go to your local office, and we will help you submit a signed request for termination or Form CMS-1763. Thanks.
Donald r.
I am still working full time and plan to do so for next couple of years even though I turned 65 may 1, 2019. Do I need to sign up for anything now? Also I have heard that on /1/2020 I can start collecting my full social security benefit even though I am working without penalty. Can you clarify? Thx
Ann C.
Hi, Donald. Thank you for your questions. Please bear in mind that the decision on when to apply for benefits is a personal one. We can only provide you with the information to help you make the best choice according to your own situation. Our Retirement Planner provides detailed information about your Social Security retirement benefits under current law. It also points out things you may want to consider as you prepare for the future. Once you reach your full retirement age, your earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn. For more information, visit our Retirement Planner: Getting Benefits While Working. Finally, we advise people to file for Medicare benefits three months before age 65 – even if you plan to continue working. Please read our Apply Online for Medicare – Even If You Are Not Ready to Retire publication. We hope this helps.
Irving T.
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