Have y'all ever tried calling the Medicare 800 number?

[RockmartDawg]

I need to talk to someone per signing up my wife. The website wouldn't allow me to complete it. I have been listening to cheesy hold music now for right at 45 minutes, after they said the estimated wait time was 26 minutes.

Is it always like this?

[81n95]

Apparently it's that way with all gubmint senior service agencies.  My ex had some marathon on-hold phone sessions dealing with Social Security and the VA for her dad over the last few years.  Most of the conversations once she finally got through were about like an Abbot and Costello 'Who's on First' routine.

[gulfportdawg]

We had zero issues. Piece of cake.

[RockmartDawg]

Apparently it's that way with all gubmint senior service agencies.  My ex had some marathon on-hold phone sessions dealing with Social Security and the VA for her dad over the last few years.  Most of the conversations once she finally got through were about like an Abbot and Costello 'Who's on First' routine.
[/quote]

I finally got through to someone, but it took over an hour on hold. The girl/woman I was talking to was very helpful. I provided her with pertinent identification details and we got set up for a telephone appointment. I'm just getting my wife enrolled for Medicare. We're not yet drawing social security, and it is a bit different because she has no work history, and will be getting a benefit based solely on my work history (that is still ongoing). I was using the website to see if I could apply for her there. But once I responded to a question stating that we were only applying for Medicare and not social security, I was informed that we could not do that online. Hence the phone call. The entire call (hold music included) lasted 1 hour and 20 minutes. I think I had to have been on the phone with the girl for no more than 10-15 minutes. At least we've got the ball rolling, though. Onward we go.

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Oh, wait... this is my all-time favorite hold time music (not). I think this could be used in torture techniques.