Key takeaways
- The Medicare phone number is 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048), and it is available 24/7, except on federal holidays. It provides an automated system with options to speak with a live agent.
- Besides calling, individuals can access general information on the Medicare website or their personal Medicare information by logging into their Medicare account.
- For those with specific needs, Medicare offers alternate contact methods, such as a dedicated number for the deaf or partially deaf at 877-486-2048. It also produces information in large print or Braille for people with low vision.
An individual may call Medicare with questions about coverage, medical records, claims, billing, and expenses.
In addition to speaking with Medicare over the phone, individuals may acquire much of the information they need through two websites.
The Medicare hotline, 800-633-4227, is available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. The only exception to this is federal holidays.
Callers will reach an automated phone system, which will take them through a step-by-step process. Once the automated system is complete, a caller either receives the information they were looking for or they will reach an agent who will help them.
After dialing the number, if a person wishes to speak with a Medicare agent in Spanish, they may indicate their preference.
Next, the system asks for the general reason for the call, and an individual may choose from several options, such as claims or coverage inquiries.
When calling, a person should have their Medicare card to hand. The automated phone system will ask them to either say or enter their Medicare number.
Individuals may use the phone number to get information on:
- coverage
- medical records
- claims
- billing
- expenses
Aside from contacting Medicare by phone, a person can contact them through their website.
After someone registers for Medicare, they can log into their account to do the following:
- Update their personal information, such as allergies and medical conditions.
- Manage their list of prescribed medications.
- Keep track of out-of-pocket expenses, such as the Part B deductible.
- Track Medicare claims.
- Maintain a list of favorite healthcare professionals and facilities.
- View Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs).
If a person needs more general information instead, they can visit the Medicare website to:
- download the Medicare & You handbook
- locate healthcare professionals and facilities that participate in Medicare
- find out how to appeal a Medicare decision
- find out what Medicare covers
- get detailed information about Medicare prescription drugs and health plans in specific areas
- find out the quality of care to expect from different plans, healthcare professionals, and facilities
- read Medicare publications
Individuals with particular needs may not be able to access the information they seek by calling the Medicare telephone number or visiting Medicare websites. However, there are alternate contact methods.
A deaf or partially deaf person may call 877-486-2048 or request the relay service, which involves using an assistant to send messages back and forth.
A person with low vision may ask for information in large print, Braille, or data/audio files.
Someone who wishes to have information in an accessible format may:
- email altformatrequest@cms.hhs.gov
- call 800-633-4227
- send a fax to 844-530-3676
In addition, they may request the accessible format by sending a letter to the following address:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Offices of Hearings and Inquiries (OHI)
7500 Security Boulevard, Mail Stop DO-01-20
Baltimore, MD 21244-1850
Attn: Customer Accessibility Resource Staff
When making the request, a person should provide the following information:
- their name
- phone number
- mailing address
- the type of information they need
Sometimes, a person may need to visit non-Medicare sources to get the information they need.
These sources include the Social Security Administration (SSA), the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), and the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC), as well as an individual’s specific plan provider or their state Medicaid office.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
The SSA phone number is 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778). Alternatively, a person can visit the SSA’s website.
Individuals can contact SSA to do the following:
- enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B, or both
- check Medicare eligibility
- replace a Medicare card
- report a death
- change personal information
Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
Individuals can contact their local RRB office at 877-772-5772 (TTY: 312-751-4701).
Someone with railroad benefits can check the same information and make the same notifications and changes as those contacting the SSA. They can also enroll in Medicare or check Medicare eligibility.
Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC)
The BCRC‘s telephone number is 855-798-2627 (TTY: 855-797-2627). A person may call this agency to report that their private insurance is either ending or beginning.
Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans
Private insurance companies administer Medicare Advantage, Part D prescription drug plans, and Medigap plans. People who have questions about their policy should call their plan provider’s phone number or visit the website listed on their membership card.
State Medicaid office
To contact their state Medicaid office, a person may call the toll-free number at 877-267-2323 (TTY: 800-877-8339).
Medicaid is there for those seeking help with paying out-of-pocket Medicare expenses.
Medicare resources
For more resources to help guide you through the complex world of medical insurance, visit our Medicare hub.
Medicare’s phone number is 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048). Individuals can get the information they need by calling this number or by visiting the Medicare website. Alternative contact methods are available for individuals with specific needs.
Sometimes, a person may need to contact non-Medicare sources, such as the SSA or private insurance companies that administer Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D, and Medigap plans, to get information or take specific actions.