Medicare Phone Number

Medicare is a federal health insurance program that provides medical coverage for seniors over the age of 65 and, in some cases, younger people who have disabilities or serious illnesses. Because Medicare covers so many people, it gets many calls each day from individuals seeking information and services.

Why Do People Call Medicare Customer Support?

People call Medicare customer support for a range of reasons, including:

• Checking on deductibles
• Checking status of a claim
• Getting information on coverage and program benefits
• Assistance with Part D prescription drug coverage
• Information about premium payment
• Appeal coverage or payment determinations
• Report fraud

Best Practices for Calling Medicare Customer Service

Medicare's phone-based customer support is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and is even open on some Federal holidays. Individuals who are deaf or have a hearing impairment can use Medicare's TTY/TDD number.

There are several things that you can do to ensure that your call goes smoothly and that you get the information you need or an appropriate resolution to a problem:

First, Make sure that you are calling the right agency:

• Medicare is not the same as Medicaid, which is a federal health program for low-income individuals. You will have to call Medicaid's central or regional offices if you need help with Medicaid issues.
• If you are trying to find out whether you qualify for Medicare, need to report the death of someone who receives medicare, want to sign up for Medicare Part A or B, order a replacement card, or need to challenge an income-based increase in your Medicare costs, you will need contact the Social Security Administration.

Next, have a way to take notes during your call. Knowing who you spoke to and what was said during your conversation can be helpful if you have to escalate your case. Be sure to add the date and time of your call to your notes.

Finally, make sure you have your Medicare card (if you have one) in front of you, along with any correspondence from Medicare that is relevant to your case.

How Do People Feel About Their Calls to Medicare Customer Support?

As is often the case with organizations that have a lot of calls, there appears to be a range of opinions regarding Medicare customer support. Some people are satisfied while others complain of long wait times or a lack of follow-through after making a call.

What Kind of Issues are Resolvable by Medicare Customer Support?

Medicare's phone-based customer service representatives can provide you with information about a wide range of concerns, including premium status, claims and appeals, and details about your benefits and level of coverage. You can also report cases of suspected Medicare fraud over the phone.

What Issues Can't Be Resolved by Phone?

Because Medicare deals with health care issues, confidentiality is important. Some issues, such as giving your medical provider permission to communicate with Medicare on your behalf, will require you to complete an authorization form.

What Can I Do if my Call to Medicare Customer Service is Unsuccessful?

If you make a call to Medicare and are dissatisfied with your conversation or a lack of resolution, don't fret. You have options available to you.

First, if you haven't already, write down what happened during the call. You'll want this in front of you when making future contact with Medicare, as it will be easier to explain what happened.

Next, call back: Every phone representative is different and you may find that the next person you speak to has better training and is able to address your concern.

If you have a complaint about your Medicare plan or Medicare prescription drug plan, you can submit a complaint to Medicare via a form on its website. This is not a good option for urgent issues, however and other concerns need to be dealt with on the phone or by mail.

Finally, you can send a letter via postal mail to Medicare that outlines your questions or concerns.

Other Pathways

If you still can't get your issue addressed with Medicare, consider the following options:

The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman: Ask your phone representative to forward your issue to Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman. This office will review and work to resolve your issue.

State-Based Options

There are multiple state-based agencies that have jurisdiction over Medicare services and facilities:

• State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP): Each state has its own program to help you navigate Medicare issues. Contact your local SHIP to get assistance with your issue.
• State Survey Agencies: If your problem is with a healthcare facility, your State Survey Agency can investigate your concern.
• Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organizations: Your state BFCC-QIO organization can offer advocacy if you are unable to resolve your case directly with Medicare.