I tried calling Medicare and got transferred five times. Is there any way to get straight answers from them?

Question

Kyle Kokot · Accepted Answer

I would first say make sure you called the right number for Medicare which is 1 (800) 633-4227. When you call that number make sure to say representative until they actually get someone on the phone.

Tony Capraro III · Answer

It's much better using a chat on Medicare.gov! Get on the site and set up an account and then get on the Chat feature! I use it regularly and there is almost Immediate help and answers for all your questions!

Answered by Tony Capraro III on April 4, 2025

Agent Licensed in NH & ME

Answered by Tony Capraro III Medicare Insurance Agent

Tasha Riggs · Answer

1-800-Medicare 
If I understood your questions I bet I could guide you or answer them directly 
Do you have a broker? Call them and maybe they can guide you

David Silver · Answer

This answer is provided in a video format. Watch the agent's video response here: https://medicareagentshub.com/questions/i-tried-calling-medicare-and-got-transferred-five-times-is-there-any-way-to-get-straight-answers-from-them#david-silver

Jeffrey Kruzel · Answer

I'm sorry you have had this experience. Calling 1-800-Medicare is the best way to speak with a Medicare representative. They also have a lot of information available on their website at Medicare.gov. If you can't find the information you are looking for, it might also be good to speak with a local Medicare agent.

Answered by Jeffrey Kruzel on June 4, 2025

Broker Licensed in FL, GA, MI, SC & TN

Answered by Jeffrey Kruzel Medicare Insurance Agent

Brett Methner · Answer

Straight and always consistent, probably not.  What was your question?  Give me a call to discuss.  My number is 816-204-4129.  Or, you can email me at brett.methner@gmail.com.

Steven Bleicher · Answer

After that frustrating situation, you should be calling 2-3 experienced agents (brokers) who can intelligently answer your questions. That type of individual has been “around the block” awhile and should be able to reply truthfully to you. It is this philosophy that I profess when one is close to Medicare-eligibility. Two to three agents to review with & the one with the most rapport is now YOUR own agent!

Answered by Steven Bleicher on May 29, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ

Answered by Steven Bleicher Medicare Insurance Agent

Dana Dane · Answer

I have found calling early in the morning on Wednesdays and Thursdays have shorter hold times.  Please call your insurance agent to see if they can offer assistance.

Clare Burley · Answer

Yes! They now offer a live chat option on their website. Go to "contact us" on the home page and then choose "live chat." It's awesome!

Fred Manas · Answer

To get straightforward answers from Medicare, try initiating your own call to 1-800-MEDICARE or using the secure online portal on Medicare.gov. You can also explore the online resources and consider contacting a SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) counselor for personalized guidance. 
Elaboration:
Initiate Your Own Call:
Instead of waiting for calls, call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE. 
Secure Online Portal:
Explore the secure online portal on Medicare.gov for information and to manage your account. 
Online Resources:
Review Medicare.gov for answers to common questions, including how to enroll, understand coverage, and handle appeals. 
SHIP Counseling:
Consider contacting your local SHIP counselor for personalized assistance, as they can provide unbiased information and guidance. 
Report Unwanted Calls:
If you are receiving unsolicited calls claiming to be from Medicare, report them to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Steve Brauer · Answer

The best number we've found to reach Medicare is simply, 1-800 MEDICARE. I've helped many of our clients get through to Medicare and have been surprisingly impressed with the people that answer the phone. Once in a while you'll get someone that obviously needs to change jobs, but overall, they've been pretty good.

Answered by Steve Brauer on April 13, 2025

Broker Licensed in AZ & CA

Answered by Steve Brauer Medicare Insurance Agent

Robert Simm · Answer

That would be dependent on who you talk to. If you're on original Medicare and you needed to call your health insurance company cuz he had a question and you couldn't find anybody to answer that question, would you find a different Insurance Company?

Answered by Robert Simm on April 11, 2025

Broker Licensed in NC, AL, AR & 15 other states

Answered by Robert Simm Medicare Insurance Agent

Kris Neupauer · Answer

Experience has shown me that the easiest and quickest way to get answers is to call a licensed Medicare agent or broker.  They will, more times than not, be able to answer your questions.

Shannon Mayfield · Answer

Depending on what your quesitons are, you can start with a broker and then the broker can help research the answer to your questions if they don't already know the answer. They can also direct you exactly where to call which should minimize transfers.

Answered by Shannon Mayfield on May 19, 2025

Broker Licensed in ID

Answered by Shannon Mayfield Medicare Insurance Agent

Mark Mabaquiao · Answer

I’m sorry for your difficulty with trying to reach Medicare and getting straight answers. I have two options for you:

First of all, you should consider calling during off-peak hours, which are probably early morning or late night. It helps that their hotline is available 24hrs 7 days a week, so conceivably, calling them at 1AM is going to be a better experience than 1PM.

Second, explore a local resource. Depending on your specific question, you might find help from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), especially with filling appeals from a denied claim. A great resource is a local Medicare insurance professional who has experience and a solid reputation. Typically, they can answer your Medicare questions from the simple to the complex.

Mark Murphy · Answer

I've found that if you go to www.medicare.gov site you can use the chat box to get your answers quickly and with no hassles or long hold times.

Johnnie Jeter · Answer

What answer are you looking for? I can try to help you answer your questions about Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, etc..

Doris Bejarano · Answer

Yes sometimes will be better make and appointment to received answers. If you need to apply, I can help you to open your account and apply for benefits, and also any questions that you may have.