Medicare Phone Numbers by U.S. State 2025

Need help with Medicare? Every state has free counseling services ready to assist you.

The main Medicare hotline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). It’s available 24/7 except on federal holidays.

Each state also runs its own help program called SHIP.

Quick Facts:

• All 50 states plus DC offer free Medicare counseling
• The national hotline 1-800-MEDICARE serves all states 24/7
• TTY services available for hearing or speech impairments (1-877-486-2048)
• Most state programs operate Monday–Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM
• SHIP counselors help with claims, coverage, and fraud issues
• Services are completely free—you never pay for help

Looking for income limits? Check our Medicaid income limits 2025 by state guide for related benefit information.

What Is the Medicare Phone Number?

The primary Medicare contact number is 1-800-633-4227.

You can call anytime, day or night. The service runs every day except federal holidays.

For TTY services, dial 1-877-486-2048. This helps people with hearing or speech challenges.

What You Can Ask:

• Enrollment questions
• Coverage information
• Billing problems
• Card replacement
• Plan comparisons
• Fraud reporting

State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)

SHIP programs offer free Medicare counseling in every state.

These programs help you understand your benefits. Trained volunteers answer questions about coverage, costs, and rights.

SHIP Services Include:

• One-on-one counseling sessions
• Help reading Medicare statements
• Prescription drug plan comparisons
• Fraud detection and reporting
• Appeals and complaints assistance
• Medigap policy guidance

Most SHIP programs operate during business hours. Many offer appointments in person or by phone.

Medicare Phone Numbers by State (A–Z)

Alabama

Program: State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
Phone: 1-800-243-5463
Local: (334) 242-5743
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM Central
Website: alabamaageline.gov

Alaska

Program: Alaska SHIP
Phone: 1-800-478-6065
Local: (907) 269-3680
TTY: 1-800-770-8973
Hours: 9 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Website: medicare.alaska.gov

Arizona

Program: Arizona SHIP
Phone: 1-800-432-4040
Local: (602) 542-6595
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday
Website: azdes.gov

Arkansas

Program: SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
Phone: 1-800-224-6330
Local: (501) 371-2782
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Email: insurance.shiip@arkansas.gov
Website: insurance.arkansas.gov

California

Program: HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program)
Phone: 1-800-434-0222
TTY: 711
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM
Email: hicap@aging.ca.gov
Website: aging.ca.gov

Colorado

Program: Colorado SHIP
Phone: 1-888-696-7213
Local: (303) 629-4940
TTY: 711
Email: ship@dora.state.co.us
Website: colorado.gov/dora/senior-healthcare-medicare

Connecticut

Program: CHOICES
Phone: 1-800-994-9422
Local: (860) 424-5274
TTY: 1-800-842-4524
Hours: Monday–Friday
Website: ct.gov/agingservices

Delaware

Program: ELDERinfo
Phone: 1-800-336-9500
Local: (302) 674-7364
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Website: delawareinsurance.gov

District of Columbia

Program: Health Insurance Counseling Project (HICP)
Phone: (202) 739-0668
TTY: 711
Website: law.gwu.edu

Florida

Program: SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
Phone: 1-800-963-5337
Local: (850) 414-2060
TTY: 711
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Website: floridaSHINE.org

Georgia

Program: GeorgiaCares
Phone: 1-800-669-8387
TTY: 711
Website: dhr.georgia.gov

Hawaii

Program: Sage PLUS
Phone: 1-888-875-9229
Local: (808) 586-7299
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday
Email: eoa@doh.hawaii.gov
Website: hawaii.gov/health/eoa

Idaho

Program: SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)
Phone: 1-800-247-4422
TTY: 711
Website: doi.idaho.gov

Illinois

Program: Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Phone: 1-800-548-9034
Local: (217) 785-9021
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Email: SHIP@idfpr.com
Website: idfpr.com

Indiana

Program: Indiana SHIP
Phone: 1-800-452-4800
Local: (765) 608-2318
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Website: medicare.in.gov

Iowa

Program: SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
Phone: 1-800-351-4664
Local: (515) 281-5705
TTY: 711
Email: shiip@iid.iowa.gov
Website: therightcalliowa.gov

Kansas

Program: SHICK (Senior Health Insurance Counseling for Kansas)
Phone: 1-800-860-5260
Local: (316) 337-7386
TTY: 711
Website: agingkansas.org/SHICK

Kentucky

Program: Kentucky SHIP
Phone: 1-877-293-7447
Local: (502) 564-6930
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Website: chfs.ky.gov

Louisiana

Program: SHIIP
Phone: 1-800-259-5301
Local: (225) 342-5301
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM
Website: ldi.state.la.us

Maine

Program: Maine SHIP
Phone: 1-877-353-3771
Local: (207) 621-0087
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM EST
Website: maine.gov/dhhs/beas

Maryland

Program: Maryland SHIP
Phone: 1-800-243-3425
Local: (410) 767-1100
TTY: 711
Website: mdoa.state.md.us

Massachusetts

Program: SHINE (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders)
Phone: 1-800-243-4636
Local: (617) 727-7750
TTY: 711
Hours: 9 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Website: mass.gov/elders

Michigan

Program: MMAP Inc.
Phone: 1-800-803-7174
Local: (517) 886-1242
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Website: mymmap.org

Minnesota

Program: Senior LinkAge Line
Phone: 1-800-333-2433
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4:30 PM Monday–Friday
Email: senior_linkage@state.mn.us
Website: mnaging.org

Mississippi

Program: MICAP (MS Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program)
Phone: 1-800-948-3090
Local: (601) 359-4956
TTY: 711
Website: mdhs.state.ms.us

Missouri

Program: CLAIM
Phone: 1-800-390-3330
Local: (573) 817-8320
TTY: 711
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM Central
Email: claim@primaris.org
Website: missouriclaim.org

Montana

Program: Montana SHIP
Phone: 1-800-551-3191
TTY: 711
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Website: dphhs.mt.gov

Nebraska

Program: Nebraska SHIIP
Phone: 1-800-234-7119
Local: (402) 471-2201
TTY: 711
Email: doi.shiip@nebraska.gov
Website: doi.ne.gov/shiip

Nevada

Program: Nevada SHIP
Phone: 1-800-307-4444
Local: (702) 486-3478
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday
Website: nvaging.net

New Hampshire

Program: ServiceLink Resource Center
Phone: 1-866-634-9412
TTY: 711
Website: servicelink.org

New Jersey

Program: New Jersey SHIP
Phone: 1-800-792-8820
Local: (877) 222-3737
TTY: 711
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Website: state.nj.us/health/senior/ship.shtml

New Mexico

Program: Benefits Counseling Program
Phone: 1-800-432-2080
Local: (505) 476-4799
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM MST Monday–Friday
Website: nmaging.state.nm.us

New York

Program: HIICAP (Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance)
Phone: 1-800-701-0501
TTY: 711
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM Monday–Friday
Website: hiicap.state.ny.us

North Carolina

Program: SHIIP (Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program)
Phone: 1-800-443-9354
Local: (919) 807-6900
TTY: 711
Email: ncshiip@ncdoi.gov
Website: ncshiip.com

North Dakota

Program: SHIC (State Health Insurance Counseling)
Phone: 1-888-575-6611
Local: (701) 328-2440
TTY: 711
Hours: 7:30 AM–5 PM Central
Email: ndshic@nd.gov
Website: state.nd.us/ndins

Ohio

Program: OSHIIP (Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
Phone: 1-800-686-1578
Local: (614) 644-3458
TTY: 711
Email: oshiipmail@ins.state.oh.us
Website: ohioinsurance.gov

Oklahoma

Program: Oklahoma SHIP
Phone: 1-800-763-2828
Local: (405) 521-6628
TTY: 711
Website: oid.state.ok.us

Oregon

Program: SHIBA (Senior Health Insurance Benefits Assistance)
Phone: 1-800-722-4134
Local: (503) 378-2014
TTY: 711
Email: shiba.oregon@state.or.us
Website: oregonshiba.org

Pennsylvania

Program: APPRISE
Phone: 1-800-783-7067
TTY: 711
Hours: 9 AM–4 PM
Website: aging.state.pa.us

Rhode Island

Program: Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP)
Phone: (401) 462-4444
TTY: 711
Website: adrc.ohhs.ri.gov

South Carolina

Program: I-CARE (Insurance Counseling Assistance and Referrals for Elders)
Phone: 1-800-868-9095
Local: (803) 734-9900
TTY: 711
Email: askus@aging.sc.gov
Website: aging.sc.gov

South Dakota

Program: SHIINE (Senior Health Information & Insurance Education)
Phone: 1-800-536-8197
Local: (605) 333-3314
TTY: 711
Website: shiine.net

Tennessee

Program: TN SHIP
Phone: 1-877-801-0044
Local: (615) 741-2056
TTY: 711
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Website: state.tn.us/comaging

Texas

Program: HICAP (Health Information Counseling and Advocacy Program)
Phone: 1-800-252-9240
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM
Website: dads.state.tx.us

Utah

Program: Utah SHIP
Phone: 1-800-541-7735
Local: (801) 538-3910
TTY: 711
Email: DAAS@utah.gov
Website: hsdaas.utah.gov

Vermont

Program: Vermont SHIP
Phone: 1-800-642-5119
Local: (802) 748-5182
TTY: 711
Hours: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM Monday–Friday EST
Website: medicarehelpvt.net

Virginia

Program: VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program)
Phone: 1-800-552-3402
Local: (804) 662-9334
TTY: 711
Email: aging@vda.virginia.gov
Website: vda.virginia.gov

Washington

Program: SHIBA HelpLine (Statewide Health Insurance Benefits Advisors)
Phone: 1-800-562-6900
TTY: 711
Hours: 8 AM–5 PM Monday–Friday
Email: SHIBAHelpLine@oic.wa.gov
Website: insurance.wa.gov

West Virginia

Program: West Virginia SHIP
Phone: 1-877-987-4463
Local: (304) 558-3317
TTY: 711
Hours: 8:30 AM–5 PM
Website: wvseniorservices.gov

Wisconsin

Program: Wisconsin SHIP
Phone: 1-800-242-1060
Local: (608) 267-3201
TTY: 711
Website: dhs.wisconsin.gov/aging/SHIP.htm

Wyoming

Program: WSHIIP (Wyoming State Health Insurance Information Program)
Phone: 1-800-856-4398
Local: (307) 856-6880
TTY: 711
Website: wyomingseniors.com

Other Important Medicare Numbers

Social Security Administration

Call for enrollment and eligibility questions.

Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Services: Card replacement, enrollment help, eligibility verification

Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare plans and get enrollment help.

Phone: 1-888-457-9778
TTY: 711
Hours: 24/7

Medicare Fraud Hotline

Report suspected fraud or abuse.

Phone: 1-800-HHS-TIPS (1-800-447-8477)
Hours: 24/7

Medicare Regional Offices by Location

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services operates 10 regional offices across the country.

How to Get Medicare Help

Getting Medicare assistance is simple. You have several options.

Call Your State SHIP Program

Find your state in the list above. Call the toll-free number during business hours. A trained counselor will answer your questions for free.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE

This national hotline is available 24/7. Representatives can help with general questions about coverage and enrollment.

Visit Medicare.gov

The official Medicare website has tools to:

• Find plans in your area
• Compare coverage options
• Estimate costs
• Download forms

Visit Medicare.gov for online resources.

Contact Social Security

For enrollment questions, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. They can help you sign up for Medicare Parts A and B.

What SHIP Counselors Can Help With

State SHIP programs offer comprehensive Medicare guidance.

Coverage Questions:

• Understanding Parts A, B, C, and D
• Medigap supplemental insurance
• Medicare Advantage plans
• Prescription drug coverage

Billing and Claims:

• Reading Medicare Summary Notices
• Disputing incorrect charges
• Understanding your costs
• Appeals and complaints

Enrollment Help:

• When to sign up
• Avoiding late penalties
• Choosing the right plan
• Changing plans during Open Enrollment

Fraud Prevention:

• Recognizing Medicare scams
• Protecting your card number
• Reporting suspicious activity

When to Call Medicare

Contact Medicare when you need help with these situations:

Enrollment Issues:

• First-time Medicare enrollment
• Missing the enrollment window
• Losing other health coverage
• Moving to a new state

Coverage Questions:

• What services Medicare covers
• Finding in-network providers
• Understanding your benefits
• Getting prior authorization

Billing Problems:

• Unexpected charges
• Denied claims
• Payment disputes
• Refund requests

Plan Changes:

• Switching Medicare Advantage plans
• Adding prescription drug coverage
• Dropping or adding Medigap
• Annual Open Enrollment decisions

Medicare Open Enrollment Periods

Understanding enrollment periods helps you make timely decisions.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

When: October 15 – December 7 each year
What You Can Do:

• Switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage
• Change Medicare Advantage plans
• Join or drop Part D prescription coverage
• Return to Original Medicare from Medicare Advantage

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment

When: January 1 – March 31 each year
What You Can Do:

• Switch Medicare Advantage plans
• Drop Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare
• Join a Part D plan if returning to Original Medicare

Initial Enrollment Period

When: 3 months before turning 65, your birth month, and 3 months after
What You Can Do:

• Sign up for Medicare Parts A and B
• Join a Medicare Advantage plan
• Add Part D prescription coverage

Special Enrollment Periods

Available if you:

• Move to a new area
• Lose employer coverage
• Qualify for Extra Help with drug costs
• Move into a nursing home

TTY and Language Services

Medicare provides accessibility services for all beneficiaries.

TTY Services

TTY users can access Medicare help through relay services. Most states use 711 as the TTY number. This connects you to a relay operator who facilitates your call.

Alaska uses a different TTY number: 1-800-770-8973.

The national Medicare TTY line is 1-877-486-2048.

Language Assistance

Medicare and SHIP programs offer help in multiple languages. When you call, tell the representative your preferred language. Interpreters are available at no cost.

Common languages include:

• Spanish
• Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese)
• Vietnamese
• Korean
• Russian
• Arabic
• Tagalog

Tips for Calling Medicare

Make your Medicare phone call more productive with these tips.

Before You Call:

• Have your Medicare card ready
• Write down your questions
• Gather any bills or notices you’re asking about
• Note the date and time of your call

During the Call:

• Write down the representative’s name
• Ask for a reference number
• Request written confirmation if needed
• Don’t be afraid to ask questions

After the Call:

• Save your notes in a safe place
• Follow up if promised a callback
• Check your mail for any documents
• Call back if you need more help

Common Medicare Scams to Avoid

Protect yourself from Medicare fraud by recognizing common scams.

Warning Signs:

• Someone calls claiming to be from Medicare
• They ask for your Medicare number or Social Security number
• They offer free medical equipment or services
• They pressure you to make quick decisions
• They threaten to cancel your benefits

What to Do:

• Hang up immediately
• Never give personal information over the phone
• Report the scam to 1-800-HHS-TIPS
• Contact your state SHIP program for guidance

Remember: Medicare will never call you asking for personal information. They contact you by mail.

Online Medicare Resources

Medicare.gov

The official Medicare website offers:

• Plan Finder tool
• Coverage information
• Provider directories
• Forms and publications

Visit Medicare.gov for official information.

MyMedicare.gov

Create an account to:

• View your claims
• Track your deductible
• Check your coverage
• Print your Medicare card

CMS.gov

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provides:

• Policy updates
• Research and data
• Provider information
• Program regulations

Visit CMS.gov for detailed program information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Next Steps

Ready to get Medicare help? Follow these steps:

1. Find your state SHIP number in the list above
2. Call during business hours for personalized assistance
3. Have your Medicare card ready before you call
4. Write down your questions so you don’t forget anything
5. Ask about local appointments if you prefer in-person help

For general questions anytime, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).

Source

This article uses official government data from:

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIP)
• Medicare.gov official resources
• Social Security Administration

Last Updated: November 25, 2025
Next Review: February 2026

All phone numbers and program information verified as current for 2025. Contact information is subject to change. Always verify with official government sources.

For the most current Medicare information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about Medicare contact numbers and services. It does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Always consult official Medicare resources or a qualified professional for specific guidance about your situation.