Where Medicare and Medicaid offices are located

Medicare and Medicaid are run by different parts of the federal government, so their offices are in different places. Medicare is run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), which is part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Medicaid is run by each state — there is no single national Medicaid office you can visit or call.

This means you will not find a single "Medicare and Medicaid office" in your town. Instead, you will contact Medicare through a national phone line or website, and Medicaid through your state's health department or social services agency. Both have local staff who handle cases, but they work behind the scenes — you reach them by phone, mail, or online, not by walking in.

The fastest way to reach either program is to know which one you need and have your Social Security number or case number ready. If you are unsure which program covers you, a local Area Agency on Aging or 211 can tell you in one call.

Key Takeaways

  • Medicare has one national phone line (1-800-MEDICARE) and one website (Medicare.gov), not separate local offices you can visit.
  • Medicaid is run by your state, so you contact your state's Medicaid agency, which may be called the Department of Health, Department of Social Services, or something similar depending on where you live.
  • Both programs have local staff who handle your case, but you reach them by phone or online rather than in person.
  • Your state's 211 service or local Area Agency on Aging can tell you the exact phone number and office location for your state's Medicaid program.

How to reach Medicare

Medicare has a single national customer service line: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). This number works from anywhere in the United States. You can call to ask questions about your coverage, report a problem with a claim, change your plan, or get help understanding a bill. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Eastern time.

You can also visit Medicare.gov to look up information about plans, check your claims, find doctors and hospitals in your network, and read about coverage rules. The website has a chat feature during business hours if you prefer to type rather than call.

If you need help in person, Medicare does not run local offices, but you can get free, in-person help through a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP). SHIP counselors work in your community and can explain your Medicare options, help you understand a bill, or walk you through a problem. To find your state's SHIP, call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask for the number, or search "SHIP" plus your state name online.

How to reach Medicaid

Medicaid is run by your state, so there is no national Medicaid phone line. Instead, you contact your state's Medicaid agency directly. The agency name varies by state — it might be called the Department of Health, Department of Social Services, Department of Human Services, or Division of Medicaid. Your state's website will have the correct name and phone number.

The fastest way to find your state's Medicaid office is to call 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone) and say "Medicaid" and your state. A 211 specialist will give you the phone number, website, and local office address if one exists in your area. You can also search online for "[Your State] Medicaid" or "[Your State] Department of Social Services" to find the website and phone number yourself.

When you call your state's Medicaid office, have your Social Security number and any case number you have been given ready. If you are calling about someone else's coverage, you may need to provide proof that you are authorized to discuss their case — for example, a power of attorney or guardianship papers.

In-person help for Medicaid

Most states have local Medicaid offices where you can explore in person, ask questions, or submit documents. These offices are usually in your county courthouse, county health department building, or a separate social services building. To find the address and hours of your local office, call your state's Medicaid line or search your county's website for "Medicaid office" or "social services office."

Some states also run Medicaid enrollment events in community centers, libraries, or health fairs. These are temporary locations where staff help people understand Medicaid and start the process. Your state's Medicaid website will list upcoming events, or you can ask about them when you call.

If you cannot get to an office in person, you can explore by phone, mail, or online through your state's website. Many states now allow you to upload documents through a find portal instead of mailing them in, which speeds up the process.

Finding help if you are not sure which program covers you

If you do not know whether you have Medicare, Medicaid, or both, start by calling 211. A specialist will ask a few questions about your age, income, and work history, then tell you which program or programs you may be covered by. This call is free and takes about five minutes.

You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE and ask. Medicare staff can tell you whether you are enrolled in Medicare and what type of coverage you have. If you are not sure about Medicaid, they can give you your state's Medicaid phone number.

If you are over 65 or have a disability, your local Area Agency on Aging can also help. These agencies are in every county and have staff who know both Medicare and Medicaid. To find yours, search "[Your County] Area Agency on Aging" online or call 211 and ask for the number.

What to bring or have ready when you contact them

Before you call or visit, gather these documents if you have them: your Social Security number, any insurance cards you have, a list of your doctors and hospitals, and any bills or notices you want to ask about. If you are explore for Medicaid for the first time, also have your birth certificate, proof of income (like a recent pay stub or tax return), and proof of where you live (like a utility bill or lease).

If you are calling on behalf of someone else, have their Social Security number and any case number they have been given. You may also need to show proof that you are authorized to discuss their case — ask when you call what documents they need.

Having these ready before you call or visit will make the conversation faster and help staff answer your questions more completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I visit a Medicare office in person?

Medicare does not have local offices you can walk into. However, you can get free in-person help from a State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) counselor in your community. Call 1-800-MEDICARE to find your state's SHIP office, or search "SHIP" plus your state name online.

What if I cannot reach my state's Medicaid office by phone?

Try calling 211 first — they often have more current phone numbers and can tell you the best time to call. You can also visit your state's Medicaid website to explore online or find a local office address. If your state has a Medicaid enrollment event coming up, that is another way to reach staff in person.

Is there a charge to call Medicare or Medicaid?

No. Calling 1-800-MEDICARE is free. Calling your state's Medicaid office is also free. Calling 211 is free. If a website or phone number charges you to speak with someone about Medicare or Medicaid, it is not an official government line.

Can I explore for Medicare or Medicaid online?

You can explore for Medicaid online through your state's website — most states now have an online portal. Medicare enrollment happens through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Some people also explore in person at a local office or with help from a counselor.

What if I need help in a language other than English?

Both Medicare and Medicaid provide free interpreters. When you call, tell the staff member your language, and they will connect you with an interpreter at no cost. If you are visiting an office in person, call ahead and ask them to have an interpreter ready.