Community Chat

[Susan Louise]

I just tried calling SS to get the process started to get my Medicare card because I will be turning 65 next month.

The automated system to be able to talk to a rep is nothing short of absolute madness.

The phone # I called is 1-800-772-1213

The automated system told me the wait time is 120 minutes...

I am NOT joking!

There is no way to set up a call back when it's your turn either.

Can someone point me in a direction that will make this process less painful?

I will have to wait til tomorrow now to make any more calls, but would grately appreciate any help. I'm sure the info will help others too...TIA 

[Pook]

@susan  Louise Try their website. You should be able to do it online.

[Estellee]

@Susan Louise I would try to be calling in when their phone lines open. That could cut down your wait time a little bit. Good Luck!

[Susan Louise]

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@Estellee wrote:

@Susan Louise I would try to be calling in when their phone lines open. That could cut down your wait time a little bit. Good Luck!

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@Estellee   I called mid-afternoon today. I will try again tomorrow morning when they open...I assume about 8am.

[Susan Louise]

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@Pook wrote:

@susan  Louise Try their website. You should be able to do it online.

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@Pook   I may have no choice and would prefer filling out the form/s over the phone so I can ask any questions I may have.

I'm just trying to keep my anxiety down through this initial process and want it to finally be behind me.

[We rescue cats]

Hi Susan Louise, DH abd I both signed up online, it is easy to navigate and I liked having the details on my computer. I don't think either of us spoke to a representative.

One other thing to consider, you might find it easier to speak to someone once the medicare time window closes.

[stevieb]

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@Susan Louise wrote:

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@Pook wrote:

@susan  Louise Try their website. You should be able to do it online.

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@Pook   I may have no choice and would prefer filling out the form/s over the phone so I can ask any questions I may have.

I'm just trying to keep my anxiety down through this initial process and want it to finally be behind me.

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At least look at the online process. A number of years ago, I signed my mom up online and it was very simple and straightforward. Besides, if they have questions about your application, an agent will call you and leave a very specific number directly to that agent in order for your to return the call. 

[Susan Louise]

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@stevieb wrote:

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@Susan Louise wrote:

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@Pook wrote:

@susan  Louise Try their website. You should be able to do it online.

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@Pook   I may have no choice and would prefer filling out the form/s over the phone so I can ask any questions I may have.

I'm just trying to keep my anxiety down through this initial process and want it to finally be behind me.

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At least look at the online process. A number of years ago, I signed my mom up online and it was very simple and straightforward. Besides, if they have questions about your application, an agent will call you and leave a very specific number directly to that agent in order for your to return the call. 

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@stevieb   Thanks for the info...that makes me feel much less worried/concerned. I'll check out the SS online site tomorrow.

[stevieb]

@Susan Louise  Go directly to the Medicare dot gov site. You do not need to access this via the SS site.

[Susan Louise]

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@stevieb wrote:

@Susan Louise  Go directly to the Medicare dot gov site. You do not need to access this via the SS site.

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@stevieb  Now I'm scratching my head...my head hurts. 

I had already called about Medicare supplement programs earlier today and they told me I have to call SS to sign up for the Medicare card. I'm not collecting SS yet and I'm waiting til I'm 67 so I get the max benefits (hoping everyone still has SS in 2 years...oy)

Anyway, then once I receive the card, I can sign up for the supplement PPO program that is best for me.

Now I'm confused...  :/