Many people are surprised to learn how intertwined Medicare is with the Social Security Administration (SSA). For that reason, it can be confusing to know which agency to contact for assistance and information. For example, the following actions should be taken with the Social Security Administration:
- Checking Medicare eligibility,
- Signing up for Medicare Parts A & B,
- Applying for Extra Help with Prescription drug coverage (Part D),
- Appealing an income-related monthly adjustment amount (IRMAA), and
- Reporting a change in address or phone number if the beneficiary already receives benefits.
In contrast, Medicare should be the source of information for the following issues:
- Understanding what Medicare covers,
- Checking the status of Medicare Part A or B claims, and
- Finding forms for filing a Medicare appeal or letting someone speak with Medicare on a beneficiary’s behalf.
Some actions can be taken with either SSA or Medicare, such as requesting a replacement Medicare card or finding publications about Medicare. SSA has published a 1-page fact sheet illustrating when to contact SSA versus when to contact Medicare.
July 17, 2025 – C. Huberty