
Ask the community...
Here's what I've learned after dealing with this for months: 1. Call right when they open. The queue is usually shorter. 2. If you get the survey, hang up and call back immediately. 3. Try different phone numbers if they have multiple listed. 4. Be super nice to the rep when you finally get one. They deal with angry people all day. 5. Have all your info ready before you call. 6. If all else fails, see if you can schedule online or via email. Hope this helps someone! Stay persistent, you'll get through eventually.
Thank you so much for this detailed advice! I'll definitely try calling right when they open tomorrow. Fingers crossed 🤞
7d
This is gold 💯 Saving this comment for future reference!
5d
am i the only 1 who thinks its crazy we gotta jump through all these hoops just to make a simple appointment??? the system is broken af
Preach! 🙌 It's like they're stuck in the stone age or something
6d
Pro tip: Keep ALL your Medicare correspondence. I learned the hard way that sometimes they make mistakes, and having a paper trail can save you a lot of headaches.
Anyone else feel like we need a degree in bureaucracy just to understand our healthcare bills? 🎓🤦♂️
For real! I'm thinking of going back to school for a PhD in Medicare Confusion 101 😂
6d
Ive been dealing with this exact issue for WEEKS. its so frustrating!!! i finally got through to someone last thursday and they said it was a 'known issue' theyre working on. fat lot of good that does us tho 🙄
Weeks?! That's ridiculous. Did they give you any timeline for when it might be fixed?
11d
Nope, just the usual 'we're working on it' bs. I'm so done with this whole system 😤
9d
Pro tip: if you can't get through online, try calling your local SSA office instead of the main number. Sometimes they can help you over the phone or set up an in-person appointment if needed. Google 'SSA field office locator' to find the closest one to you.
Oh, that's a great idea! I didn't even think about trying the local office. Thanks for the tip!
9d
Pro tip: If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, try faxing your request. Yes, fax. It's like time travel, but sometimes it actually works faster.
omg who even has a fax machine anymore? 😅
23d
You'd be surprised! Or use an online fax service. Trust me, it's weirdly effective.
22d
Have you considered that maybe you were actually eligible for Medicare earlier than you thought? Sometimes they backdate coverage if you were eligible but didn't sign up right away.
I don't think so, but I'll double check. Thanks for the suggestion!
22d
have u tried faxing them? I know it sounds old school but sometimes it works when nothing else does lol
Just went thru this last month. It's a nightmare but keep pushing. Took me 3 calls and 2 office visits but finally got it straightened out. Hang in there!
Oof, sounds rough. Glad you got it sorted though. Gives me hope!
16d
yall ever wonder if theres just one guy working at the SSA, trying to process all our applications? 🤣 I picture him drowning in a sea of paperwork, crying out for help
LOL I can see it now. Poor Gary from accounting, promoted to handle ALL the applications. He's doing his best, guys! 😂
23d
this is why we need to properly fund our government agencies smh
22d
Hey OP, have you checked the SSA website for your application status? Sometimes they update it there before sending out letters.
I tried, but it just says 'processing'. Not very helpful 😕
22d
Ugh, that sucks. Hang in there, hopefully you'll hear something soon!
21d
have you tried reaching out to your local congressperson's office? They often have staff dedicated to helping constituents with federal issues like this. Might be worth a shot if SSA gives you the runaround
I hadn't even thought of that! Great idea, I'll look into it if I can't get anywhere with SSA directly.
28d
lol welcome to the wonderful world of Medicare 🎉 where nothing makes sense and the rules are made up. Seriously tho, good luck getting it fixed. The squeaky wheel gets the grease!
Man, the government doesn't make this easy, do they? It's like they want us to mess up so they can collect more fees. 🙄 Good luck OP, hope you get it sorted!
Preach! 🙌 The whole system needs an overhaul. It shouldn't be this complicated.
28d
Hey OP, just wanted to say I'm sorry for your loss. Dealing with all this bureaucratic stuff while grieving must be tough. Remember to take care of yourself too, okay? 💖
Thank you, that means a lot. It's been a challenging time for sure.
1M
Just a heads up, if you're still working, your spousal benefits might be reduced. Make sure to check the earnings limit before you apply!
This! 👆 I learned this the hard way. Definitely do your research on how working affects your benefits.
1M
Has anyone here applied for spousal benefits if they're divorced? I heard it's possible but not sure about the details.
Yep, you can get spousal benefits from an ex if you were married for at least 10 years and haven't remarried. Same basic process, but you'll need your divorce decree too.
1M
Sophia Carter
Pro tip: Sometimes these sites have a 'force logout' option in the account settings. Look for something like 'end all sessions' or 'logout everywhere'. Might help if you're stuck!
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Amaya Watson
Oh, that's a great idea! I'll check for that option. Thanks!
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13d
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Chloe Zhang
have u tried turning it off and on again? 🤣 jk jk... but seriously, sometimes just closing the browser completely and reopening works wonders
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