How to Get Medicare Info When the Phone Lines are Busy
1-800-MEDICARE
That’s Medicare’s official phone number. You can call with general questions or specific questions about your expenses, medical records, claims, and more.
However, when you call Medicare’s phone line you’re greeted by an automated system. It can be a while before you speak to a human—sometimes an hour or more. And with beneficiaries flooding phone lines with COVID-19 questions, wait times could be even longer.
Thankfully, there’s more than one way to get Medicare help when 1-800-MEDICARE wait times are long. These resources can give you the information you need without any annoying hold music.
Medicare.gov
On this government-run Medicare website you can access general Medicare information, download forms for appealing Medicare decisions, and see what Medicare covers with the “Is my test, item, or service covered?” tool.
For personalized information, register at MyMedicare.gov. You can manage your list of prescription drugs, track your claims, see your deductible status for Part B, and access information pertinent to your coverage.
CMS.gov
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is the federal agency that administers Medicare. For current legislation being passed to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, see the CMS webpage on Coronavirus.
Your state insurance department’s website
If you aren’t getting the answers you need from Eligibility.com or the federal websites, you can try your state insurance department’s website. Each state has resources to help you with Medicare. There’s also a phone number you can call for personal assistance.
Your insurer’s website
If you’re in a Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan, your insurer is a great resource for answers. Typically, you can call your insurer using the phone number on your insurance card. But it may be quicker and easier to use your insurer’s website to get information.
Most insurers also have patient portals to access your personal information directly. If you’re on a Medicare Advantage plan, you might be able to use telemedicine services too.
Your agent
If you worked with an agent when signing up for a Medicare plan, they could be a good resource for any questions you may have. They can even check your current coverage and ensure that you’re in a plan that fits you well. If your current plan isn’t a good fit, an agent can switch you to a new one (as long as you are in an enrollment period or qualify for a Special Enrollment Period).
Your doctor
Chances are, your doctor’s staff is pretty busy during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, they might still be able to answer your questions during business hours. But, if you’re looking for answers to insurance-related questions, it’s probably better to contact your insurer first.
Need more information? We can help.
- Read more about how Medicare Advantage works.
- See the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
- Learn about Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plans.
- See how Part D covers your prescription drugs.
- Stay on top of Medicare benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Content on this site has not been reviewed or endorsed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the United States Government, any state Medicare agency, or any private insurance agency (collectively "Medicare System Providers"). Eligibility.com is a DBA of Clear Link Technologies, LLC and is not affiliated with any Medicare System Providers.
