Medicare & Social Security

If you would like a printable version of this list, please click here.

Medicare

800-633-4227
877-486-2048 — TTY
Medicare.gov
Need help beyond what’s on Medicare.gov? You can talk or live chat with a real person, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except some federal holidays.) If you have an account, log in before you start your chat.

Socal Security

Sign up for Medicare and/or Social Security Benefits in person, online, or by calling.
Social Security Office
200 High St, 2nd Fl
Holyoke, MA 01040 
877-480-4989
800-325-0778 — TTY 
Monday through Friday 7 am to 7 pm. In-person: 
Call first to make an appointment.
ssa.gov/
You must sign up for my Social Security Account to apply for benefits online.

You can apply online for retirement benefits or benefits as a spouse if you: 

  • Are at least 61 yrs and 8 mths old.
  • Are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record.
  • Have not already applied for retirement benefits.
  • Want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.)

What about Medicare?

  • If you already have Medicare, you can still use the online application to apply for retirement benefits.
  • If you don’t have Medicare but are within 3 months of age 65, you can use the on-line application to apply for both retirement and Medicare or just Medicare if you aren’t ready to receive retirement benefits yet.

What do I need to know before I apply? Before you apply for retirement benefits, there are certain Social Security “basics” you should know about:

  • Your “full retirement age”.
  • Depending on your date of birth, that may be between age 66 and 67. This could affect the amount of your benefits and when you want the benefits to start.
  • You may start receiving benefits as early as age 
  • 62 or as late as age 70.
  • Your monthly benefits will be reduced if you start them any time before “full retirement age.”
  • Working while you receive benefits.
  • If you elect to receive benefits before you reach full retirement age, you should understand how continuing to work can affect your benefits. Call or go online for more information.

The SHINE Program (Serving the Health Information Needs of Everyone)

LifePath, Inc.
101 Munson St, Suite 201
Greenfield, MA 01301
413-773-5555
711 - MassRelay
800-439-0183 — Voice
877-752-2388
800-439-2370 — TTY/ASC11
Call for a list of local SHINE counselors in your area
The SHINE Program is a State Health Insurance Program that provides free, one-on-one health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages.
The SHINE Program can assist you if you have questions about any of the following:

  • Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans (Medicare HMOs, PPOs)
  • Insurance Claim Forms
  • Medicare Supplements (“Medigap”)
  • Medicaid/MassHealth
  • Prescription Advantage
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
  • One Care Plans
  • Health Insurance Options
  • Prescription Drug
  • Options Long-Term Care Insurance
  • review your current coverage
  • review your eligibility for financial assistance 
  • provide health insurance plan comparisons
  • helping prepare health benefit claim forms and application.