A SHIP-only number has been established that will allow you to reach customer service representatives at 1-800-MEDICARE. That SHIP number is 1-888-647-6701.
Important: This dedicated phone number for calling Medicare is only for SHIP and SMP team members with CMS Unique IDs. It is not to be shared with the general public.
SHIP counselors with Unique IDs are eligible to use the SHIP number. The counselors with Unique IDs are uploaded from STARS to the CMS Unique ID database at 1-800-MEDICARE. It is important to note that these are not instantaneous uploads and there could be a delay of a few weeks between assigning a new Unique ID and having the system recognize that ID.
To use your CMS Unique ID with Medicare, follow these steps:
Call 1-888-647-6701. An automated voice will greet you
and ask you to enter your Unique ID number.
Note: Using this phone number in conjunction with your CMS Unique ID gives you a priority position in 1-800-Medicare’s queue of callers. When call volumes are high, such as during Medicare’s fall Open Enrollment Period (OEP), wait times might still apply.
Enter your CMS Unique ID number. If you enter your CMS Unique ID incorrectly or
enter an invalid CMS Unique ID, you will hear the regular menu of options presented to
all callers who call 1-800-Medicare. If you enter your number correctly, you will be able
to select from the following menu options:
- Press 1 for General Medicare issues (This includes Part D questions or plan enrollments)
- Press 2 for a doctor's service or hospital visit
- Press 3 for questions about medical supplies
- Press 4 for help using the new Plan Finder Tool
Note: CMS says the efficiency in this system relies on you selecting the appropriate
option from this menu. It is designed to be very short and to-the-point. It is purposely
not as long and descriptive as the menus for accessing CSRs through the public 1-800-
MEDICARE number, as CMS assumes SHIP and SMP team members can use the
shorthand menus described above. If you do not choose the appropriate menu option,
you will not see increased efficiency from the system.
Be ready to provide your CMS Unique ID number to the Customer Service
Representative (CSR) who answers and have pertinent beneficiary information ready.
In order to verify that the CSR is speaking about the correct beneficiary, the CSR
cannot speak to the CMS Unique ID user unless the user has at least two of the
following pieces of information:
- Beneficiary name as it appears on the Medicare card
- Medicare number
- Medicare Part A and/or Part B effective dates
- Beneficiary date of birth
- Beneficiary address