Help Enrolling in Medicare

If you have questions about Medicare rules, coverage and claims, call Medicare’s help line at 800-633-4227 or use the Live Chat function available by clicking Talk to Someone | Chat Now.

Information is available in dozens of languages, including English and Spanish. If you speak a language that is not available, ask for an interpreter.

Updated annually, CMS’ Medicare & You handbook explains what Medicare covers, how it works, when you need to sign up and any changes to the rules.

Social Security Administration

While CMS runs the Medicare program, the Social Security Administration handles Medicare enrollment, even if you haven’t yet claimed Social Security retirement benefits. SSA can be a helpful source of information about signing up for Medicare, applying for the Part D prescription drug Extra Help program and understanding Medicare’s higher-income premium surcharges.

Its national toll-free phone number is 800-772-1213, or look up the address and phone number of your local Social Security office.​

Medicare Rights Center

This nonprofit has been helping people navigate Medicare for more than 30 years.

Counselors are on hand to answer questions about Medicare rules, deadlines, enrollment, choices and claims. You can reach them through the organization’s national helpline at 800-333-4114.

Visit its MedicareInteractive.org website for answers to Medicare questions and more information about what's new in Medicare.

State insurance departments

Individual states’ insurance departments are also helpful in providing information about supplemental Medigap policies in your area. Most states list each company’s Medigap premiums for the year. Visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, look for your state in the Insurance Departments | Select State drop-down menu, and you’ll find a link to the state's website.