Key Takeaways
- To check the status of your Original Medicare (parts A and B) application, you can log into your Medicare or Social Security account online, call the Social Security Administration (SSA), or visit a local Social Security office for in-person help.
- For Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug (Part D), and Medigap applications, checking your application status involves contacting the specific private insurance company providing the plan, either through their website, customer service line, or the insurance agent or broker you applied through.
- After approval, you will receive a notification letter and a Medicare card. For parts A and B, this is a red, white, and blue Original Medicare card, while private insurers will issue cards for approved Medicare Advantage, Part D, or Medigap plans.
You have several ways to check the status of your Medicare application.
Depending on the plan you’re applying for, you may be able to use an online portal, call customer service, or make an appointment for in-person support.
If you applied online for Part A or Part B (or for both parts), you can check the status of your application through your Medicare or Social Security account.
If you applied online or submitted your application by fax or mail, you can call the SSA at 800-772-1213 (TTY: 800-325-0778). Representatives are available on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time.
Automated assistance is available in English and Spanish 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you hear “How can I help you today?” say “Application status.”
You can also schedule an appointment with your local Social Security office for in-person assistance.
How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?
It should take about 2 weeks to receive your welcome materials after signing up for Original Medicare.
Can I get my Medicare number before I receive my card?
When your application is approved, you can log in to your Medicare account. There, you can view your card number and print a copy of your card.
You will also receive your Medicare card in the mail with your welcome packet.
Private insurers administer Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
If you applied for your Medicare Advantage plan online, you might be able to check the status of your application through the insurance company’s website. Many companies have an online portal where you can look up information related to your account.
If you applied online or submitted your application by fax or mail, you can call the insurance company’s customer service department. You might be able to find a phone number to call on the application itself or the company’s website.
If you applied through an insurance agent or broker, contact them directly to check the status of your application.
Private insurers also administer Part D prescription drug plans.
If you applied for Part D online, you might be able to check the status of your application through the insurance company’s website. Many provide an online portal where you can look up information related to your account.
If you applied online or submitted your application by fax or mail, you can call the insurance company’s customer service department. You might be able to find a phone number to call on the application itself or the company’s website.
If you have an active prescription, ask your pharmacy to process a test claim with the insurance company. If the company approves the claim, you will likely receive a welcome packet with policy information in the coming days.
Private insurers also administer Medigap plans. Medigap is sometimes called Medicare supplement insurance.
If you applied for Medigap online, you might be able to check the status of your application through the insurance company’s website. Many provide an online portal where you can look up information related to your account.
If you applied online or submitted your application by fax or mail, you can call the insurance company’s customer service department.
You can also ask a healthcare professional to process a test claim with the insurance company. If the company approves the claim, you will likely receive a welcome packet with policy information in the coming days.
Medigap plans typically start on the first of the month after you apply. Contact the insurance company if you haven’t received any information within 30 days.
Contact your state’s insurance department if you haven’t received any information within 60 days.
Once your application has been reviewed, you should receive a letter with information about your enrollment in a Medicare plan.
If your application has been denied, the letter will explain why this decision was made and what to do next.
If your Part A or Part B application has been approved, you’ll receive a red, white, and blue Original Medicare card in your welcome packet.
If your Medicare Advantage plan, Part D prescription drug plan, or Medigap plan application has been approved, you’ll receive a card from a private insurer.