Registration
Re-Authentication
Sign In Tips
Browser Requirements & Pop-up Blocker for Windows
Browser Requirements for Mac and Linux
Challenge Question and Answer
Site Security
Online Services and Web Confidentiality Agreement
     
 
     
     
   

MyMedicare.gov - Browser Requirements & Pop-up Blocker Help
System Compatibility Check:
Browser Version Info:
 
Please click on the appropriate link to access the section of the Help file you would like to view.
Browser Requirements AOL Browser Password Information
 
Monitor Settings Sign In Tips Spanish
 
Pop-up Blocker Security
 
Browser Requirements   TOP
 
The chart below identifies your operating system and browser version. MyMedicare.gov is accessible from a variety of operating systems and web browsers. However, only certain browsers are supported for each operating system. Please view the chart below to determine the browser you need to have (based on your operating system) for utilizing MyMedicare.gov.

Browser Requirements Graphic

Note: Using older browsers, non-compatible browsers, or disabling browser features, such as JavaScript, may reduce functionality in MyMedicare.gov.

Q: How do I determine which browser I am using?

A: If you feel the chart above is inaccurate, you can manually check your browser version by following the steps below:

Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP/Vista

From your browser, go to the Help menu and choose "About...."

A screen will appear showing which browser and version you are using.

Q: How do I upgrade to another browser?

A: To view this site at optimum levels, it is recommended that you use Internet Explorer 5 or above OR Netscape 6 or above. If you would like to download the latest version of one of these browsers please click on one of the links below.

Microsoft Internet Explorer Graphic Download Internet Explorer for: Netscape Graphic Download Netscape Navigator for:
Windows 95/98/NT Windows 95/98/NT
 
Monitor Settings   TOP
 
MyMedicare.gov is best viewed when your screen resolution is set to 1024 x 768 or above. If your settings are below 1024 x 768, you will encounter additional scroll bars.

Display Settings for 1024 x 768 Screen Resolution for Windows:

The following information shows how to set Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/NT/ME/XP/Vista to a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels. Some monitors do not support this setting. If you are having trouble getting the settings to work or don't see the following options that are available, most likely your monitor does not support 1024 x 768 screen resolution.
  • From the "Start Menu", choose "Settings" and "Control Panel".
  • Double Click on the "Display" icon.
  • Click on the Settings tab.
  • Under "Desktop area", move the indicator to reflect "1024 x 768 pixels".
  • Click OK to save the new setting and close the Control Panel window.
Display Settings for 1024 x 768 Screen Resolution for Macintosh:
  • Exit all applications and choose "Control Panels/Monitors & Sound" from the Apple menu. The "Monitors & Sound" window will appear.
  • Click the Monitors button. "Color Depth and Resolution'' options will appear in the window.
  • Click the ''1024 x 768'' setting. The screen will go black and then redraw at the new resolution with an "OK/Cancel" dialog box.
  • Click OK to accept the new setting. Your screen resolution is now set to 1024 x 768.
Note: After the change, everything on the screen will appear somewhat smaller.
 
Pop-up Blocker Help   TOP
 
Q: How do I disable my Pop-up Blocker software?

A: A Pop-up blocking software package, such as the Google and Yahoo toolbars, may prevent a user from successfully accessing MyMedicare.gov. Please use the appropriate steps below to disable the software package that you may be using.

Microsoft XP SP2/IE 6.0 SP2

In order to access MyMedicare.gov, users who have the Microsoft XP SP2/IE 6.0 SP2 will need to add MyMedicare.gov to their list of allowed sites. To add MyMedicare.gov to the list of allowed sites, please follow the steps below:
  • Open the browser and select Tools > Pop-up Blocker > Pop-up Blocker Settings.
  • In text box labeled "Address of Web Site to Allow", type "myportal.medicare.gov" and press the Add button.
  • Please Note: Continue to leave the default "Filter Level" set to "Medium: Block most automatic pop-ups".

Google Toolbar

In order to access MyMedicare.gov, users who have the Google pop-up blocking software will need to temporarily disable pop-up blocking. To temporarily disable pop-up blocking, please follow the steps in one of the two options below:
  • Click the Blocked button on the Google Toolbar.
  • Please Note: Once clicked, the blocking will be turned off and the button caption will read "Site pop-ups allowed".
  • OR
  • Temporarily hide the Google toolbar by clicking View > Toolbars > and click on Google (which is already checked).

Yahoo Toolbar

In order to access MyMedicare.gov, users who have the Yahoo pop-up blocking software will need to temporarily disable pop-up blocking. To temporarily disable pop-up blocking, please follow the steps in one of the two options below:
  • Click the pop-up blocker icon, and un-check the "Enable Pop-up Blocker" menu item.
  • OR
  • Temporarily hide the Yahoo toolbar by clicking View > Toolbars > and click on Yahoo (which is already checked).
Q: How do I enable JavaScript for my browser?

A: Please use the appropriate steps below to enable JavaScript for your browser:

IE 5.0, 6.0, 7.0
  1. Open the browser and select Tools > Internet Options. (Internet Options window opens)
  2. Click on the Security tab of the Internet Options window.
  3. Click on the Custom Level button of the Security tab. (Security Settings window opens)
  4. Scroll down to near the bottom of the Security Settings list.
  5. Find the setting for Active Scripting.
  6. Click on the Enable button under Active Scripting.
  7. Click on the OK button of the Security Settings window.
  8. Click on the OK button of the Internet Options Security tab window.
  9. Click on the Refresh button of your browser.
Firefox 2.0
  1. Open the browser and select Tools > Options. (Options window opens)
  2. Click on the Content tab.
  3. Check the Enable JavaScript checkbox.
  4. Click on the OK button of the Options window.
  5. Click on the Refresh button of your browser.
Netscape 8.1.3
  1. Open the browser and select Tools > Options. (Options window opens)
  2. Click on Site Controls. (Options Site Controls window opens)
  3. Check the Enable JavaScript checkbox.
  4. Click on the OK button of the Options Site Controls window.
  5. Click on the security dashboard of your browser. This is located on the lower right hand corner of your browser. It probably shows something like 'No Full Scan' or 'Site Status Not Verified. (Security Center window opens on the lower right hand corner of the browser).
  6. Click on Current Site Settings. (Current Site Settings list expands)
  7. Click on the blue right hand arrow pointing to the right. This arrow is located beside the text "Features For this Site". (Site Control window opens)
  8. Click on the Advanced tab of the Site Control window.
  9. Check the Enable JavaScript checkbox.
  10. Close the Security Center window by clicking on the X button located at the upper right hand corner of the Security Center window.
  11. Click on the Refresh button of your browser.
Mac Firefox 1.5
  1. Open the browser and select Firefox > Preferences.
  2. Click on Web Features.
  3. Check the Enable JavaScript checkbox.
  4. Click on the OK button.
  5. Click on the Refresh button of your browser.
 
AOL Browser Help   TOP
 
Q: Which browser do I use if I access Internet using AOL dial-up or broadband with AOL 9.0 VR (Vista Ready)?

A: You can use Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox to access MyMedicare.gov application. Please follow the steps below to start the MyMedicare.gov application.
  • Minimize the AOL 9.0 VR browser.
  • Click on Internet Explorer, Netscape or Firefox in the Start Menu to start the browser of your choice.
 
Sign In Tips   TOP
 
Q: Having Trouble Signing In?

A: If you are having problems signing in to MyMedicare.gov, please consider the following tips.

Register for Access: The first time you visit this site, you must register as a new user. Click on the Sign Up link below the Sign In box. Registration will provide you with a password which you will need to access MyMedicare.gov.
  • For immediate access to your password via email, please be sure to provide your email address at the time of registration. A letter containing your password pattern will be sent to your email address, as well as to your mailing address on file with SSA or RRB.
  • If you opt not to provide your email address, you will receive your password letter via standard mail to your mailing address on file with SSA or RRB. Your password letter should arrive within 14 days.
  • If you have not received your password letter within 14 days after your registration date, please call 1-877-607-9663. Or, if you prefer to open a chat session over the internet with one of our technical support customer service representatives, you may click here to open a new window.
Sign In Tips: After you successfully register and get your password letter in the mail or by email, you can log into MyMedicare.gov.
  • Make sure you have the password letter containing your password. After you registered online, CMS mailed or emailed this letter to you. This letter would have been emailed to you if you provided your email address at the time of registration.
  • Type in your Medicare Number (without the dashes) as it appears on your red, white and blue Medicare card. This number is sometimes called your Medicare Health Insurance Claim Number. It contains letters and numbers.
  • Be sure to type your one-time password exactly as it appears in your welcome letter. To protect your security, you won't be able to change your password until you have successfully logged in.
  • Click on the Sign In button. After you have entered your Medicare number and password, make sure to click the Sign In button to submit your sign in request.
Temporary Lockout: For the security and protection of your account, you will get three chances to sign in successfully. If you fail to sign in with those three attempts, you will be temporarily locked out (prevented from signing in) for a period of thirty (30) minutes. If you believe that you have been temporarily locked out, please wait thirty (30) minutes and try your request again.

Q: What is the Online Services & Web Confidentiality Agreement?

A: You are required to read and accept the Online Services & Web Confidentiality Agreement when you register to use MyMedicare.gov. The View Online Services / Web Confidentiality Agreement link is on the Welcome and Sign In page, in case you want to review the agreement.

Q: Still Having Problems Signing In?

A: If you continue to have problems signing in, please call 1-877-607-9663. Our Customer Service Representatives may be able to help you log in. However, for security, our Customer Service Representatives do not have access to your password and cannot give you or anyone else this information.
 
Security   TOP
 
Q: What does the closed lock image displayed on the Sign In box represent?

A: The closed lock image displayed on the Sign In box represents the high level of security provided by MyMedicare.gov to its users.

Q: What does the statement "optional and free" displayed on the Sign In box mean?

A: The statement "optional and free" means that creating an account on MyMedicare.gov is a free service brought to users by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). Medicare beneficiaries are not required to participate in the service to receive medical assistance.
 
Password Information   TOP
 
Q: What happens if I forget or lose my password?

A: If you have successfully logged into MyMedicare.gov in the past and have forgotten your password, you can change your password by successfully answering the secret question you chose during registration.
  • Note: If you have not logged into MyMedicare.gov before and have either not received your welcome letter (which has your password) or have lost that letter, please call 1-877-607-9663.
To change your password, click on the Forgot Your Password? link below the Sign In box. You will be asked to enter your Medicare number and click the Continue button. The next page will show your secret question and prompt you to enter the correct answer.
  • If you correctly answer the question, you will get the opportunity to change your password.
  • If you incorrectly answer the question, you will get two (2) additional attempts to give an answer to your secret question. After your third (3rd) attempt, you will be permanently locked out of MyMedicare.gov (for security reasons) and will need to complete the re-authentication process.
 
Spanish   TOP
 
Q: How can I view MyMedicare.gov in Spanish?

A: You may view MyMedicare.gov in Spanish by clicking the Vea En Espaņol link at the top of the Welcome to MyMedicare.gov page.
 
Page Revised: April 5, 2008