Medicare can sometimes be confusing, but there are several trusted resources available to help with questions about coverage, claims, enrollment, benefits, appeals, and other Medicare-related issues.
Medicare
For general Medicare information, questions about claims, coverage, costs, or other Medicare concerns:- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- TTY: 1-877-486-2048
- On line, at www.medicare.gov
Representatives are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, except on some federal holidays. If you need help in a language other than English, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for an interpreter.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
SHIP provides free, unbiased, personalized Medicare counseling. SHIP counselors can help with:- Medicare coverage decisions
- Medicare Advantage and prescription drug plan questions
- Claims, billing, and appeals
- Programs that may help people with limited income and resources
- Understanding Medicare rights and benefits
To find your local SHIP:
- 1-877-839-2675
- On line at www.SHIPHelp.org
Social Security
Contact Social Security for help with:- Replacing a Medicare card
- Medicare Part A and Part B eligibility and enrollment questions
- Applying for Extra Help with Medicare prescription drug costs
- Questions about Medicare premiums
- Updating certain personal information
- Reporting a death
Contact:
- 1-800-772-1213
- TTY: 1-800-325-0778
- www.SSA.gov
Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center (BCRC)
Contact the Benefits Coordination & Recovery Center if you have questions about whether Medicare or another insurance plan should pay first or if you need to report changes in your other insurance coverage.Contact:
- 1-855-798-2627
- TTY/TDD: 1-855-797-2627
TRICARE
- 1-866-773-0404
- TDD: 1-866-773-0405
- On line at www.TRICARE.mil
- 1-877-363-1303
- On line at www.TRICARE.mil/Pharmacy
TRICARE For Life
For questions about TRICARE For Life:TRICARE Pharmacy Program
For questions about the TRICARE Pharmacy Program:Report Suspected Medicare Fraud
If you suspect Medicare fraud, waste, or abuse, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General.- 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
- TTY: 1-800-377-4950
- On line at www.OIG.HHS.gov/fraud
HHS Office for Civil Rights
If you believe you have experienced discrimination in a health care setting or that your health information privacy rights have been violated, contact the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights.- 1-800-368-1019
- TDD: 1-800-537-7697
- On line at www.HHS.gov/OCR
Department of Veterans Affairs
Veterans and their families can contact the Department of Veterans Affairs for information about VA benefits and services.VA Benefits Hotline
- 1-800-827-1000
- TTY/Telecommunications Relay Service: 711
- On line at www.VA.gov
Office of Personnel Management
- 1-888-767-6738
- TTY/Telecommunications Relay Service: 711
- On line at www.OPM.gov
Retired Federal Employees
Federal retirees who need assistance with retirement benefits may contact OPM Retirement Services:Current Federal Employees
Current federal employees with questions about the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB) should generally contact their employing agency's Human Resources office or their health plan directly.Railroad Retirement Board (RRB)
If you receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits, contact the RRB for help with:- Medicare eligibility and enrollment
- Railroad retirement benefits
- Changing personal information
- Medicare-related questions
- Reporting a death
Contact:
- 1-877-772-5772
- TTY: 1-312-751-4701
- On line at www.RRB.gov
Medicare Quality-of-Care Complaints and Fast Appeals
A Beneficiary and Family Centered Care–Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) can help Medicare beneficiaries with certain quality-of-care complaints and fast appeals.For example, you may be able to request a fast appeal if you believe Medicare-covered services are ending too while you are in:
- Hospital
- Skilled nursing facility
- Home health agency
- Comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation facility
- Hospice
Your Medicare notice should include instructions and the appropriate BFCC-QIO contact information.
You can also call:
- 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
- TTY: 1-877-486-2048
Visit www.Medicare.gov for additional information about complaints and appeals.
Notice: Contact information can change. We recommend confirming telephone numbers and program information directly with Medicare or the appropriate government agency before relying on it for time-sensitive matters.