Health and benefits
Who handles Medicare sign-up and questions?
Who handles it
The federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services runs Medicare. You sign up for Part A and Part B through the Social Security Administration.
- Federal
- Not State
- Not Local
Facts checked November 5, 2026 · 4 sources
Why federal government
Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people who are 65 and over, and for some younger people with certain conditions.
What to do next
- Sign up for Medicare Part A and Part B through Social Security.
- For questions about claims, costs or coverage, call 1-800-MEDICARE or use live chat on Medicare.gov.
- Get free one-on-one counseling from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
What varies
Your state runs Medicare Savings Programs and Medicaid, which can lower your Medicare costs.
Learn the background: What do the Cabinet and federal agencies do?
Sources
Official recordUSAGov: Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Official recordSocial Security Administration: Sign up for Medicare
Official recordUSAGov: How and when to apply for Medicare
Official recordMedicare.gov: Contact Medicare