Medicare Phone Number
Updated September 2026 · 2026 figures from CMS and Medicare.gov
The official Medicare phone number is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except some federal holidays. TTY users call 1-877-486-2048. This site is independent — we can't help with your Medicare account.
Which number to call
| For… | Call |
|---|---|
| Claims, coverage questions, replacement card, plan comparison, reporting fraud | Medicare: 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048) |
| Signing up for Parts A and B, address or name changes, Part B premium deductions, IRMAA, Extra Help applications | Social Security: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday–Friday 8 a.m.–7 p.m. local time |
| Railroad Retirement beneficiaries | Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772 |
| Which insurance pays first (employer plan, workers' comp, etc.) | Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center: 1-855-798-2627 |
| Free, unbiased one-on-one Medicare counseling | SHIP national locator: 1-877-839-2675 |
| Medicare Advantage, Part D or Medigap questions | The phone number on the back of your plan card |
| Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs | Your state Medicaid agency |
Tips for calling 1-800-MEDICARE
- Have your Medicare number ready.
- Say "agent" at the prompts to reach a person; waits are usually shortest early in the morning and later in the week, and longest during Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7).
- To let someone call on your behalf, file a Medicare authorization form (CMS-10106) first.
- Many tasks — printing a card, checking claims, comparing plans — are faster in your Medicare.gov account.
Watch out for fake "Medicare" calls
Medicare won't cold-call you to sell plans, ask for your Medicare or bank number, or offer free equipment or genetic tests. Hang up and call 1-800-MEDICARE yourself. Numbers in TV ads for "Medicare benefits" usually reach licensed insurance agents or call centers, not Medicare.
Frequently asked questions
What is the phone number for Medicare?
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. TTY: 1-877-486-2048.
Can I talk to a real person at Medicare?
Yes. Call 1-800-633-4227 and say "agent" at the prompts.
What number do I call to sign up for Medicare?
Social Security, at 1-800-772-1213, or apply online at ssa.gov.