How to Recover Your Medicare Login and Get Back Into Your Account

What to do if you cannot log into Medicare.gov

If you cannot log into your Medicare account, the fastest path is to use the "Forgot username?" or "Forgot password?" link on the Medicare.gov sign-in page itself. Medicare will send you a reset link by email or text within minutes. If you do not receive it, check your spam folder — reset emails often land there by mistake.

If you do not remember the email address or phone number tied to your account, or if the reset link does not work, you will need to call Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). They can verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth, then reset your password over the phone or send a new reset link to a different email address.

The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready before you call.

Key Takeaways

• Use the "Forgot password?" link on Medicare.gov first — it sends a reset link by email or text in minutes.
• Check your spam and junk folders for the reset email, as it often gets filtered automatically.
• If the reset link does not arrive or does not work, call 1-800-MEDICARE to have an agent reset your account by phone.
• Medicare agents can verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth, then send a reset link to a different email if needed.
• Phone support is available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, with shorter waits early morning or late afternoon.

Using the password reset tool on Medicare.gov

The self-service password reset is the fastest option if you remember the email address or phone number on file. Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right corner. On the sign-in page, look for "Forgot password?" and click it.

Medicare will ask you to enter the email address or phone number associated with your account. Choose which method you want to receive the reset link — email or text message. A link will arrive within a few minutes. Click the link, create a new password, and you will be able to sign in right away.

If you do not receive the reset email or text, wait five minutes and check again. Then check your spam, junk, and promotions folders — many email providers filter password reset messages automatically. If you still do not see it after 15 minutes, try requesting the link again, or switch to the other method (email instead of text, or text instead of email).

Resetting your username if you forgot it

Your username is the email address or phone number you use to sign in. If you cannot remember which one you set up, click "Forgot username?" on the Medicare.gov sign-in page instead of "Forgot password?"

Medicare will ask you to enter your Social Security number and date of birth. After you verify this information, Medicare will show you the email address or phone number linked to your account. You can then use that to sign in, or click "Forgot password?" to reset the password at the same time.

What to do if you never created a Medicare.gov account

If you have never signed into Medicare.gov before, you will need to create an account first. Go to Medicare.gov and click "Sign In" in the top right. Then click "Create an account" or "Sign up now" — the exact wording changes, but the button is always near the sign-in fields.

You will be asked to enter your email address, create a password, and verify your identity. Medicare can verify you using your Social Security number, date of birth, and address. The whole process takes about 10 minutes. Once your account is created, you can sign in and view your coverage, claims, and statements.

Calling Medicare if the online reset does not work

If the password reset link never arrives, does not work, or you do not remember the email or phone number on file, call 1-800-MEDICARE. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. An agent will verify your identity and either reset your password when ready or send a new reset link to an email address you provide.

You can also call if you want to change the email address or phone number tied to your account. The agent can update this information while you are on the phone, then send a reset link to the new address so you can sign in right away.

If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use the TTY number 1-877-486-2048. If you speak a language other than English, Medicare offers interpretation services at no cost — tell the agent your language when you call.

Protecting your Medicare account after you regain access

Once you are back into your account, consider updating your password to something you have not used before. Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — Medicare requires at least 8 characters, but longer passwords are harder to guess.

Write your password down in a safe place, such as a locked drawer or a password manager app. Do not share it with anyone, including Medicare agents or family members. Medicare will never ask for your password by phone or email.

If someone else may have accessed your account, change your password when ready and review your claims and statements for any activity you do not recognize. If you see unauthorized charges or claims, call 1-800-MEDICARE to report them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to receive a password reset link?

The reset link usually arrives within a few minutes of your request. Check your email inbox and spam folder. If you do not see it after 15 minutes, try requesting the link again or switch to text message instead of email.

Can I reset my password without a phone number or email address on file?

No. If you do not have access to either one, call 1-800-MEDICARE and an agent will verify your identity using your Social Security number and date of birth, then send a reset link to a new email address you provide.

What if I do not have a Social Security number?

Call 1-800-MEDICARE. An agent can verify your identity using other information, such as your Medicare card number, date of birth, and address. They will then reset your account or help you create one.

Is Medicare.gov the same as my insurance company's website?

No. Medicare.gov is run by the federal government and shows your Medicare coverage and claims. Your insurance company may have a separate website or app for billing and claims. You need a Medicare.gov account to view your official Medicare information.

What should I do if someone else is using my Medicare account?

Change your password when ready by using the reset tool or calling 1-800-MEDICARE. Then review your claims and statements for any activity you do not recognize. Report any unauthorized access to 1-800-MEDICARE so they can investigate.