Medicare customer service helps beneficiaries with Original Medicare coverage, claims, costs, Medicare cards, appeals, complaints, fraud reports and general program questions. People enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Part D should normally contact their private plan first for plan-specific benefits, networks, prescriptions, billing and authorization questions.
- Medicare phone number: 1-800-633-4227, also written as 1-800-MEDICARE
- TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except certain federal holidays
- Official contact page and live chat: Contact Medicare
- Secure Medicare account: Log in to Medicare.gov
- Official website: Medicare.gov
Choose the Correct Medicare Support Route
- Original Medicare coverage or claims: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or sign in to your secure Medicare account.
- Part A or Part B enrollment: Contact the Social Security Administration.
- Medicare Advantage plan: Call the Member Services number on the plan card.
- Part D prescription plan: Call the plan about covered medications, formularies, pharmacy networks and prior authorization.
- Medigap policy: Contact the private insurance company that issued the policy.
- Address or legal-name change: Update the information through Social Security.
- Help selecting or comparing plans: Use Medicare Plan Compare or contact a local SHIP counselor.
- Possible Medicare fraud: Call 1-800-MEDICARE or use Medicare’s official online reporting route.
Medicare Customer-Service Hours
Medicare states that telephone representatives and live chat are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except certain federal holidays.
Private Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap insurers establish their own Member Services hours. Check the number and hours printed on the plan card or published in the plan’s current materials.
What Can 1-800-MEDICARE Help With?
Call 1-800-633-4227 for help with:
- Original Medicare benefits and coverage
- Part A and Part B claims
- Medicare Summary Notices
- Approved amounts and possible beneficiary responsibility
- Finding Medicare-participating providers
- Medical equipment and supplier questions
- Replacement Original Medicare cards
- Appeal and complaint procedures
- Reporting suspected Medicare fraud
- Finding a State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- Medicare rights and protections
- General Medicare Advantage and Part D information
A Medicare representative cannot guarantee that a service will be covered before all applicable billing, medical-necessity and program requirements have been reviewed.
Medicare Enrollment and Social Security
Enrollment in Medicare Part A and Part B is generally handled through the Social Security Administration.
- Social Security phone: 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- Representative hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in most U.S. time zones
- Online enrollment: Sign up for Medicare through Social Security
Contact Social Security about:
- Signing up for Medicare Part A or Part B
- Signing up for Part B after previously delaying it
- Checking a Medicare enrollment application
- Changing the official address connected to Medicare
- Correcting a legal name
- Applying for Extra Help with Medicare prescription costs
- Questions about Medicare eligibility based on age, disability or end-stage renal disease
Enrollment deadlines and late-enrollment penalties can depend on employment, employer coverage, disability benefits and other individual circumstances. Verify the applicable enrollment period with Social Security or a qualified SHIP counselor.
Medicare Advantage and Part D Customer Service
Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are administered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. The plan—not the general Medicare call center—usually controls:
- Provider and pharmacy networks
- Prescription formularies
- Prior authorization
- Referrals
- Plan premiums
- Explanation of Benefits statements
- Plan identification cards
- Over-the-counter benefits
- Dental, vision or hearing benefits included with a plan
- Plan-specific claims and reimbursements
Call the Member Services number on the plan card. If the plan does not resolve a complaint, call 1-800-MEDICARE or submit the official Medicare plan complaint form.
How to Compare or Change Medicare Plans
Use the official Medicare Plan Compare tool to review Medicare Advantage and prescription-drug plans available in your ZIP code.
Medicare Open Enrollment generally runs from October 15 through December 7. Changes made during this period generally take effect January 1 of the following year.
Other enrollment periods may apply depending on a beneficiary’s current coverage and circumstances. Do not cancel existing insurance until the effective date and terms of the replacement coverage have been confirmed.
Free Medicare Counseling Through SHIP
State Health Insurance Assistance Programs provide free, personalized Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors are not insurance-company sales agents.
- SHIP locator: 1-877-839-2675
- Find local Medicare help: SHIPHelp.org
SHIP counselors can help with:
- Understanding Medicare coverage
- Comparing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans
- Reviewing Medicare Summary Notices
- Understanding costs and premiums
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Part D Extra Help
- Appeals and complaints
- Coordination with Medicaid, employer insurance or retiree coverage
How to Check a Medicare Claim
Original Medicare beneficiaries can review processed claims through a secure Medicare account or on a Medicare Summary Notice.
A Medicare Summary Notice shows:
- Services or supplies billed to Medicare
- Whether Medicare approved the claim
- What Medicare paid
- The maximum amount the beneficiary may owe
- Instructions for appealing a decision
Medicare Advantage and Part D members should review the Explanation of Benefits supplied by their private plan or contact the plan directly.
Doctors, providers and suppliers usually submit Original Medicare claims. Beneficiaries should only need to submit their own claims in limited circumstances. Medicare generally requires claims to be filed within 12 months of the service date unless an exception applies.
Information to Have Before Calling Medicare
Gather the information related to the question, but disclose sensitive details only after confirming that you reached an official Medicare or plan telephone number.
- Medicare card
- Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits
- Date of service
- Provider or facility name
- Claim or appeal notice
- Bill showing the disputed amount
- Prescription name when contacting a Part D plan
- Plan membership card
- Previous reference or case number
- A concise timeline of previous calls
Medicare Appeals
An appeal challenges a coverage or payment decision. An appeal may be appropriate when Original Medicare or a Medicare health or drug plan refuses to:
- Cover a medical service, supply or prescription
- Pay for care already received
- Change the amount the beneficiary must pay
- Continue covering an ongoing service
Follow the appeal instructions and deadline printed on the Medicare Summary Notice, denial letter or plan notice. Different Medicare programs use different appeal processes.
Before appealing, gather supporting information from the physician, pharmacy, supplier or other provider. Keep copies of everything submitted and proof of delivery.
Learn more through Medicare’s official appeals guidance.
Fast Medicare Appeals
A beneficiary may have a right to a fast appeal when covered services are ending too soon, including certain services provided by:
- A hospital
- A skilled nursing facility
- A home health agency
- A comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility
- A hospice provider
The provider should give the beneficiary a written notice explaining the deadline and the correct Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization to contact.
Medicare Complaints and Grievances
A complaint or grievance concerns service or treatment rather than a decision to deny coverage.
Examples include:
- Poor customer service from a Medicare plan
- Difficulty obtaining an appointment with a plan specialist
- Unreasonable delays
- Disrespectful treatment
- Problems with the handling of an appeal
- Quality-of-care concerns
- Unsafe or unsanitary facility conditions
Use the plan’s grievance process for a Medicare Advantage or Part D complaint. Complaints about Medicare health or drug plans can also be submitted through the Medicare Complaint Form.
If assistance is needed within 10 days, Medicare instructs beneficiaries to call 1-800-MEDICARE rather than relying only on the online complaint form.
Quality-of-Care and Facility Complaints
The correct complaint organization depends on the issue:
- Quality of medical care: Contact the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization serving your state.
- Nursing-home conditions: Contact the applicable State Survey Agency.
- Hospital or facility safety: Contact the State Survey Agency or state health department.
- Doctor licensing or professional conduct: Contact the state medical licensing board.
- Home health agency: Contact the agency administrator and the state home-health hotline when necessary.
- Durable medical equipment: Contact the supplier and call 1-800-MEDICARE when the complaint remains unresolved.
Medicare can help identify the correct state agency or quality-improvement organization.
Escalating an Unresolved Medicare Complaint
- Identify whether the issue involves Original Medicare or a private Medicare plan.
- Contact the responsible provider, supplier or plan first when appropriate.
- Document the representative’s name, date, reference number and response.
- Follow the appeal or grievance instructions printed on the official notice.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE for additional routing assistance.
- Contact SHIP for free help understanding the process.
- Ask Medicare to submit the unresolved inquiry to the Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman when appropriate.
The Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman helps beneficiaries understand their rights and the available process for unresolved Medicare-related complaints. The Ombudsman does not replace a formal appeal or extend an appeal deadline.
Replacing a Medicare Card
Original Medicare beneficiaries can print or request a replacement card through their secure Medicare account. A replacement can also be requested by calling 1-800-MEDICARE.
Medicare Advantage and Part D plan cards must normally be replaced through the private plan.
People who receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits can call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772 concerning a replacement Medicare card.
Changing an Address or Name
Social Security maintains the official address and legal-name information used for Medicare records. Update an official address or name through Social Security even when Medicare benefits are not connected to a monthly Social Security payment.
A telephone number or email associated only with a Medicare.gov account may be updated through the secure Medicare account.
Help Paying Medicare Costs
Beneficiaries may qualify for assistance through:
- Medicare Savings Programs
- Medicaid
- Part D Extra Help
- State Pharmaceutical Assistance Programs
- Other state or local assistance programs
Contact the state Medicaid office, Social Security or a local SHIP counselor for eligibility and application guidance. Eligibility requirements vary by program and location.
Reporting Medicare Fraud
Review Medicare Summary Notices and plan statements for services, equipment or prescriptions you did not receive.
Suspected Medicare fraud can be reported by calling 1-800-MEDICARE or through Medicare’s fraud-reporting guidance.
People with Medicare Advantage or Part D can also contact the Investigations Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor:
- I-MEDIC: 1-877-772-3379, also written as 1-877-7SAFERX
Have the provider’s name, service date, disputed item, amount and a description of why the claim appears incorrect. Do not investigate or confront a suspected fraudster yourself.
Avoid Medicare Scams
If an unexpected caller claims to represent Medicare or a health plan:
- Do not confirm personal information.
- End the call.
- Call 1-800-MEDICARE or the number printed on the official plan card.
- Review recent claims for services you did not receive.
- Report suspected misuse of the Medicare number.
Insurance agents and plan representatives must follow Medicare marketing rules. Verify plan details through Medicare.gov and obtain written benefit information before enrolling.
Medicare Mailing Address
P.O. Box 1270
Lawrence, KS 66044
Do not mail an appeal, claim, premium payment or medical record to this general address unless Medicare’s instructions specifically direct it there. Use the address printed on the applicable form, notice or plan document.
Medicare Customer Service Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Medicare customer-service phone number?
Call 1-800-633-4227, also written as 1-800-MEDICARE.
Is Medicare customer service open 24 hours?
Yes. Medicare states that telephone and live-chat assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except certain federal holidays.
What is the Medicare TTY number?
TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
Who do I call to enroll in Medicare?
Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or use the official Social Security Medicare enrollment website.
Who handles Medicare Advantage customer service?
Call the Member Services number on the Medicare Advantage plan card for plan-specific claims, networks, billing, benefits and authorizations.
How do I check an Original Medicare claim?
Sign in to a secure Medicare account, review the Medicare Summary Notice or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
What is the difference between an appeal and a complaint?
An appeal challenges a coverage or payment decision. A complaint or grievance concerns matters such as service, treatment, delays or quality of care.
Can someone call Medicare for me?
Medicare may require an Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information or an appointment-of-representative form before discussing protected information with another person.
How do I replace a Medicare card?
Print or order a replacement through a secure Medicare account or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Medicare Advantage plan cards must normally be replaced by the private plan.
How do I report Medicare fraud?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE and provide the disputed provider, service, date and claim information. Medicare Advantage and Part D concerns may also be reported to I-MEDIC.
Can CustomerServiceNumbers.com access my Medicare account?
No. CustomerServiceNumbers.com cannot view claims, replace cards, change coverage, enroll beneficiaries, submit appeals, access medical records or contact Medicare on a reader’s behalf.
Medicare Customer Reviews and Complaints
Reviews can help other beneficiaries understand experiences involving Medicare telephone support, claims, replacement cards, enrollment questions, appeals, complaints and fraud reports.
A helpful review explains:
- Whether the issue involved Original Medicare or a private plan
- The general type of claim or service
- Which support route was used
- How long it took to speak with someone
- Whether a case or reference number was provided
- What next step was recommended
- Whether the issue was resolved
Do not publish Medicare numbers, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, diagnoses, prescriptions, claim numbers, medical records, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses or private documents.
Related Medicare Plan Customer Service Pages
- Aetna Customer Service, Medicare and Claims Help
- UnitedHealthcare Customer Service, Medicare and Appeals Help
Why Trust CustomerServiceNumbers.com?
CustomerServiceNumbers.com has helped consumers locate customer-service telephone numbers and complaint information since 2004. CSN is an independent consumer-help and review website and is not operated by Medicare, CMS, HHS, Social Security, SHIP or any insurance company.
This page distinguishes the federal Medicare program from Social Security enrollment services and private Medicare Advantage, Part D and Medigap insurers. Always verify benefits, claims, coverage, deadlines, enrollment and appeal instructions through official Medicare, Social Security or plan documents.
Share Your Medicare Customer Service Experience
Have you contacted Medicare about coverage, a claim, card, appeal, complaint or suspected fraud? Share the support route you used, what happened and whether the issue was resolved.
Page Update Note: This Medicare customer service page was reviewed and updated on August 5, 2026. The main Medicare and TTY numbers, 24-hour availability, Social Security enrollment contacts, SHIP assistance, claims, appeals, complaint routes, fraud reporting and privacy guidance were verified and expanded.
CustomerServiceNumbers.com is not affiliated with Medicare, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Social Security Administration, SHIP, any Medicare plan or any insurance company. This page provides general contact information and is not medical, legal, insurance, enrollment or financial advice. Medicare rules, plan benefits, deadlines, costs and contact routes can change.

