Notifying the CMS when someone dies
Social Security Administration is responsible for notifying the CMS
Medicare
Phone1-800-633-4227
WebsiteVisit website →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays)
Medicare Claims and Billing
Phone1-800-633-4227
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays)
Report via Social Security
Phone1-800-772-1213
Timeline
Automatic through SSA; billing issues resolved within 30 to 60 days
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Verified Mar 2026
When someone dies, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) must be notified. The Social Security Administration is responsible for notifying the CMS.
Notification deadline: Automatic through SSA; contact Medicare directly for billing issues.
Steps to take
Steps for notifying the CMS and applying for survivor benefits:
1
Report the death to Social Security (which notifies Medicare):
- •The funeral home typically reports the death to SSA
- •If not reported, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213
- •Medicare enrollment is terminated automatically when SSA processes the death report
2
Destroy or return the deceased's Medicare card. The card should not be used after the date of death.
3
Resolve any outstanding Medicare billing:
- •Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for questions about pending claims
- •Review Medicare Summary Notices (MSNs) for any charges incurred before death
- •The estate is responsible for cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, copayments) for services received before death
4
Cancel Medicare Advantage or Part D plans:
- •Contact the plan directly to report the death and cancel enrollment
- •Request refund of any prepaid premiums after the date of death
- •The plan may need a copy of the death certificate
5
Understand Medicaid estate recovery (if the deceased received Medicaid):
- •Federal law requires states to recover Medicaid costs from the estates of deceased recipients age 55 and older
- •Recovery applies to nursing facility services, home and community-based services, and related hospital and prescription drug services
- •Contact the state Medicaid office for specific estate recovery procedures
- •Certain exemptions exist (e.g., surviving spouse, disabled child, hardship waivers)
Required Documents
- Certified copy of the death certificate
- Deceased's Medicare number (found on Medicare card)
- Deceased's Social Security number
- Medicare Advantage or Part D plan information (if enrolled)
- Letters testamentary (for estate-related billing)
Timeline
Automatic through SSA; billing issues resolved within 30 to 60 days
Survivor benefits
Outstanding Claims Processing
Medicare continues to process outstanding claims for services received before the beneficiary's death. Providers can submit claims for services rendered to the deceased. The estate or surviving family members are not responsible for covered services beyond normal cost-sharing.
Eligibility: Healthcare providers with outstanding claims for the deceased
How to apply: Providers submit claims through normal Medicare billing channels
Learn more →Medicare Refunds to Estate
If Medicare overpaid premiums (e.g., Part B premiums deducted from Social Security after death), the overpayment is refunded to the estate. SSA handles premium refunds since Medicare Part B premiums are typically deducted from Social Security benefits.
Eligibility: Estate of the deceased beneficiary
Amount: Varies based on overpaid premiums
How to apply: Processed automatically when SSA stops benefit payments; contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if refund is not received
Frequently asked questions
Medicare is notified automatically when Social Security processes a death report. In most cases, the funeral home reports the death to SSA. If you have questions about pending Medicare claims or billing, call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
The Medicare card should be destroyed or returned after the beneficiary dies. The card should not be used for any services after the date of death. Using a deceased person's Medicare card is fraud.
Yes. Medicare covers services provided to the beneficiary on the day of death. The estate is responsible for normal cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) for covered services received before and on the date of death.
Federal law requires states to recover Medicaid costs from the estates of deceased Medicaid recipients who were age 55 or older when they received benefits. States must recover costs for nursing facility services, home and community-based services, and related hospital and prescription services. Exemptions exist for surviving spouses, disabled or minor children, and hardship situations.
Medicaid estate recovery can include claims against real property, including the family home, after the Medicaid recipient dies. However, states cannot recover while a surviving spouse is alive, while a child under 21 lives in the home, or while a blind or disabled child of any age lives in the home. Many states also offer hardship waivers.
Yes. If the deceased was enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan (Part C) or a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan, contact the plan directly to report the death and cancel enrollment. The plan should refund any premiums paid after the date of death.
Yes. If Medicare Part B premiums were deducted from Social Security benefits after the date of death, SSA will process a refund to the estate. This typically happens automatically when SSA stops benefit payments. Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 if the refund is not received.
The estate may be responsible for cost-sharing amounts (deductibles, copayments, coinsurance) for Medicare-covered services the deceased received before death. The estate is not responsible for the full cost of covered services, only the beneficiary's share. Providers cannot bill the estate for amounts above Medicare's approved charges.
After completing the notification process, eligible survivors can apply for 2 benefits through the CMS. Each benefit has its own eligibility requirements and application process.
Keep copies of all documents submitted to the CMS. Original documents submitted for verification are typically returned after processing.
Medicare
Phone1-800-633-4227
WebsiteVisit website →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays)
Medicare Claims and Billing
Phone1-800-633-4227
WebsiteLearn about benefits →
Hours24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays)
Report via Social Security
Phone1-800-772-1213
Timeline
Automatic through SSA; billing issues resolved within 30 to 60 days
WebsiteLearn more →
HoursMonday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. local time
Verified Mar 2026