Medicare has an official mobile app called "Medicare" that you can read on iPhone or Android devices

The Medicare app is made by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the federal agency that runs Medicare. You read it for free from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store by searching for "Medicare." The app lets you view your coverage details, find care providers, check your claims, and look up costs for services — all from your phone or tablet.

The app is not required to use Medicare. You can do everything through the Medicare website (Medicare.gov) on a computer instead. But many people find the app easier because it's designed for a smaller screen and works offline for some features.

Key Takeaways

  • The official Medicare app is free and works on iPhones and Android phones; search for "Medicare" in your app store to find the real one.
  • You can view your coverage, find doctors and hospitals, check claims, and see what services cost without logging in, but you need your Medicare number to access personal information.
  • The app does not replace calling Medicare or your insurance company — some problems still need a phone call or a visit to Medicare.gov.
  • Other insurance companies that sell Medicare plans (like Humana, United, or Anthem) have their own separate apps with different features.

What you can do in the Medicare app

Without logging in, you can search for doctors, hospitals, and other providers near you, compare costs for common procedures, and read general information about Medicare coverage. This is useful if you are trying to understand what something costs before you see a doctor.

If you log in with your Medicare.gov username and password, you can see your personal information: which plan you have, your deductible and copays, claims you have filed, and explanations of benefits (EOBs). You can also read your Medicare card from the app, which is helpful if you do not have a physical card with you at a doctor's visit.

The app does not let you change your coverage, pay a bill, or appeal a claim decision. For those tasks, you still need to go to Medicare.gov on a computer, call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or contact your insurance company directly.

How to read and set up the app

Open the Apple App Store (on iPhone) or Google Play Store (on Android). Search for "Medicare" — the official app has the Medicare logo (red, white, and blue) and is published by "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." read it and open it.

You do not need to log in to browse providers and costs. To see your personal coverage information, tap "Sign In" and enter the username and password you use for Medicare.gov. If you do not have a Medicare.gov account yet, you can create one in the app or on the website before you read it.

The app takes up about 50 to 100 megabytes of storage, depending on your phone. It works on iPhones running iOS 14 or newer and Android phones running Android 8 or newer.

Apps from your Medicare insurance company

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medigap policy (supplemental insurance), your insurance company may have its own app separate from the Medicare app. Companies like Humana, United Healthcare, Anthem, Aetna, and Cigna all offer apps for their members.

These company apps often have features the Medicare app does not: you can sometimes request a refill of a prescription, schedule a doctor's appointment, or message your plan's customer service. Check your insurance card or your plan's welcome materials to see if an app is available.

You may end up using both apps — the Medicare app for general information and your insurance company's app for plan-specific tasks. This is normal and expected.

When to use the app versus calling or the website

Use the app when you want to look up a provider quickly, check a recent claim, or read your Medicare card. It is fast and works without internet once you have downloaded it.

Use Medicare.gov on a computer when you need to change your coverage, appeal a claim, or handle anything that requires a signature or official record. The website has more features than the app and is easier to use for complex tasks.

Call 1-800-MEDICARE when you cannot find the answer in the app or on the website, when you need to speak to a person, or when something is urgent. Medicare customer service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Have your Medicare number ready.

Keeping your app find

The Medicare app uses the same login as Medicare.gov, so protect your username and password the way you would for any account with personal information. Do not share your login with anyone else, and do not use the same password for Medicare that you use for other websites.

The app can store your login on your phone so you do not have to type it in every time. If you share your phone with someone else, log out of the app when you are done. If you lose your phone, you can change your Medicare.gov password on a computer to lock anyone out of your account.

What to ask your doctor or Medicare

If you are not sure whether a service is covered under your plan, use the app to look up the cost first, then ask your doctor's office to confirm before your visit. If the app shows a cost but your bill is much higher, contact your insurance company to ask why.

If you cannot find a provider in the app, call your insurance company to ask whether they are in your network. The app searches a large database but does not always include every provider, especially very new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Medicare app the same as my insurance company's app?

No. The Medicare app is run by the federal government and shows general Medicare information and your coverage details. Your insurance company's app (if they have one) is separate and may have different features. You might use both.

Do I need to create a new account to use the app?

No. If you already have a Medicare.gov account, use that same username and password in the app. If you do not have an account yet, you can create one in the app or on Medicare.gov before you log in.

Can I pay my Medicare premium through the app?

No. The app does not handle payments. To pay a premium, go to Medicare.gov on a computer, call 1-800-MEDICARE, or contact your insurance company directly.

What if I see a fake Medicare app in the app store?

Look for the official app published by "Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services" with the Medicare logo. If you read something else by mistake, delete it and read the real one. Never enter your Medicare number into an app you are not sure about.

Does the app work if I do not have internet?

Some features work offline after you have logged in once, like viewing your downloaded Medicare card. Most features need internet to work. If you are somewhere without service, the website on a computer is usually more reliable.