Social Security Medicare Program

Social Security Medicare Program

Managing Agency:

U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA)

Program Description

Medicare is a health insurance program for people who meet certain conditions.

You qualify if you:

  • Are age 65 or older
  • Get Social Security Disability benefits, or
  • Have kidney failure that may qualify you for Medicare.

Application Process

Visit the Sign Up/Change Plans page for details on how to get started with Medicare, including the plans offered.

To find out what other Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits you may qualify for, use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on Benefits.gov.

Once you complete the questionnaire, you get a list of benefits you may qualify for. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

When you know which benefits you can apply for, click Apply for Social Security Benefits to apply online.

You can also call to learn more about SSA benefits and get application information.

  • 1-800-772-1213
  • TTY 1-800-325-0778

Program Contact Information

To Contact Medicare directly for help, or for questions about billing, claims, medical records, or expenses, you can call:

  • 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
  • TTY 1-877-486-2048

Visit the Medicare website to find more information and resources.

Visit the Social Security Contact Us page for all of the SSA contact options, and to learn about our online and special services. We also offer free interpreter services.
Last Updated: 10/26/2016