Medicare has a free phone number, with staff available 24/7. You can call for queries relating to Original Medicare plans. Other plans may have different contact information.

You can contact Medicare at the free phone number 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, excluding some federal holidays.

You can use this number for questions relating to Original Medicare claims, premiums, deductibles, and general coverage questions.

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or a Medicare supplement insurance (Medigap) plan, you may need to contact your plan provider for some of these queries.

Private insurers administer these plans, and you can usually find a phone number for them on your membership card. Alternatively, you can visit their website to find their contact information.

You may need to contact other agencies and departments to make certain changes or get answers to more specific questions.

Name changes via the Social Security Administration

If you need to change your name with Medicare, you must call the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778). Help is available on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. local time.

Railroad Retirement Board queries

For inquiries about Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, call 877-772-5772 (TTY: 312-751-4701).

Military benefits and Medicare

For details on how military benefits work alongside Medicare, you can call the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits hotline at 877-222-8387. Help is available weekdays between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program

For personalized Medicare advice, you can contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) office at 877-839-2675.

Alternatively, you can use their office locator to find your nearest SHIP center.

When calling the Medicare free phone number, you first reach an automated system. The automated system provides options for you to select according to your query.

It usually helps you to have the following information on hand:

  • your Medicare membership number, which you can find on your membership card
  • paperwork relating to a claim
  • notes or lists of questions you’d like answered

Wait or hold times for Medicare can vary, so it’s a good idea to call when you have time and can sit comfortably.

Once you’re connected, the agent usually gives you their name. You can write that down along with the date and time of your call for future reference.

You can request that they send you information in writing at the end of your call.

Medicare’s free phone number is 800-622-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048), and agents are available 24/7 to answer questions relating to Original Medicare.

Private insurance companies administering Medicare Advantage plans, Part D prescription drug plans, or Medigap plans also usually have free phone numbers.

The phone number for your specific plan should be on your membership card or your plan provider’s website.