Where the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Is Located and How to Reach It

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland

CMS — the federal agency that runs Medicare, Medicaid, and the Children's Health Insurance Program — is based in Baltimore at 7500 Security Boulevard. This is where the main administrative offices are located, though CMS operates regional offices across the country to handle state-specific work and answer questions from people in different parts of the United States.

If you need to contact CMS about a Medicare question, you do not need to call or visit Baltimore. Instead, you can reach Medicare directly through the national helpline, your local Social Security office, or your state's health insurance counseling program. The Baltimore headquarters handles policy and oversight, but the people who answer your questions work in regional centers and call centers spread throughout the country.

Key Takeaways

CMS headquarters is in Baltimore, Maryland, but you reach Medicare support through a national helpline, not by contacting the main office.
Medicare's customer service line is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
CMS operates ten regional offices that handle Medicaid and state-specific Medicare questions in different parts of the country.
Your State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) offers free, local help with Medicare questions and is often faster than the national line.

How to reach Medicare customer service

Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to speak with someone about your Medicare coverage, claims, or billing questions. The line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and you can also use it to request printed materials or ask about programs you may be interested in. When you call, have your Medicare card ready.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use TTY 1-877-486-2048. If you speak a language other than English, interpreters are available at no cost — just tell the representative your language when you call.

You can also visit Medicare.gov to look up information about coverage, find providers, compare plans, or check the status of a claim online. The website has a search tool and a chat feature if you prefer not to call.

CMS regional offices and what they handle

CMS divides the country into ten regions, each with its own office. These regional offices oversee Medicaid programs in their states and handle questions about Medicare that are specific to state rules or local providers. If your question involves both Medicare and Medicaid, or if you need help understanding how a state program works alongside Medicare, the regional office may be the right place.

However, for most Medicare questions — coverage decisions, billing, claims — the national helpline is faster and more direct. Regional offices are listed on the CMS website by state, and you can find your region's contact information if you need it for a state-specific issue.

State Health Insurance information Programs offer free local help

Every state has a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) that offers free counseling about Medicare. These programs are funded by CMS but run by each state, and counselors can answer questions about your coverage, help you understand your bill, and explain your options if you disagree with a coverage decision.

SHIP counselors often have shorter wait times than the national helpline because they handle fewer calls. You can find your state's SHIP by visiting shiptalk.org or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE and asking for the number in your state. Many SHIPs also offer in-person appointments if you prefer to talk face-to-face.

Social Security offices can help with Medicare enrollment

If you need to sign up for Medicare or change your coverage, you can visit your local Social Security office in person. Social Security handles Medicare enrollment for people turning 65 and can answer basic questions about when to sign up and what happens if you miss a important date.

You can find your nearest office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Social Security offices are usually less busy early in the morning or on weekday afternoons, so you may have a shorter wait if you go at those times.

Online resources and what you can do without calling

The CMS website at Medicare.gov lets you search for information about coverage rules, find doctors and hospitals in your area, compare prescription drug plans, and check the status of a claim you have submitted. You can also create an account to view your claims history and read statements.

If you have a question about a specific claim or bill, you can file an appeal online through your Medicare account without calling. The website also has a tool to help you understand your rights if Medicare denies a service you believe you should be covered for.

What to do if you cannot reach someone by phone

If you call the Medicare helpline and wait times are long, try calling back at a different time — early morning or late evening often have shorter queues. You can also use the online chat feature on Medicare.gov, which may have a shorter wait than the phone line.

If your question is urgent and involves a claim or coverage decision, contact your SHIP counselor instead. They can sometimes resolve issues faster because they work directly with your state's Medicare contractors. If you are in the hospital or need coverage for an urgent service, tell the hospital or provider that you are waiting for a coverage decision — they may be able to bill you later once the decision is made.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit the CMS office in Baltimore in person?

The Baltimore headquarters does not have a walk-in service for Medicare questions. If you need in-person help, visit your local Social Security office or your state's SHIP counselor instead. Both can handle Medicare questions face-to-face without an appointment in most cases.

What is the difference between calling Medicare and calling my SHIP?

Both can answer Medicare questions, but SHIP counselors know your state's rules and local providers better, and they usually have shorter wait times. Medicare's national line is better if you need to check a claim status or enroll in a plan. For general questions, SHIP is often faster.

Do I need to call CMS directly for a coverage decision?

No. Call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE to ask about coverage. If Medicare says no, you can appeal through your Medicare account online or by calling the appeals number on your denial letter. You do not need to contact the Baltimore office.

What if I have a question about Medicaid instead of Medicare?

Medicaid is run by your state, not by Medicare. Contact your state's Medicaid office directly — the number is on your Medicaid card or on your state's health department website. CMS oversees Medicaid but does not handle individual questions.

Is there a mailing address if I need to send something to CMS?

For Medicare claims or appeals, use the address on your Medicare statement or denial letter — it will route to the right contractor in your area. For general inquiries, you can write to CMS at 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244, but calling or using Medicare.gov is much faster.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.