3 Ways to Replace Your Medicare Card
You can get a new Medicare card online at SSA.gov or Medicare.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-633-4227, or by going to your local Social Security office.
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The fastest way to get a new Medicare card is to print it from your account on SSA.gov or Medicare.gov. You can also request a card be mailed to you, which will take about 30 days.
How to replace your Medicare card
You can replace your Medicare card online, over the phone or in person.
Option 1: Get a replacement Medicare card online
How to get a new Medicare card online:
- Log into your Social Security account or create an account if you don't already have one.
- Find the "Medicare Enrollment Detail" section.
- Click "Replace your Medicare card."
- To get your card by mail, click "Mail my replacement Medicare Card." You'll get the card within about 30 days.
You'll also have the option to print the replacement card. If you print your card, you'll have it immediately.
If you choose to print your new Medicare card, carefully cut it out and put it in a secure location, such as a laminated folder, a home safe or your wallet.
Do not laminate or otherwise alter the card. Instead, use a separate plastic sheet as protection. For example, you might place the card in your wallet's inner pocket.
You can also get a new card online through your Medicare.gov account.
- Log into your account on Medicare.gov.
- Click "Get My Medicare Card" under the "What Do You Want to Do" section. If you don't see that section, open "All Options," then "Settings," and look for the "What Do You Want to Do" section there.
- Enter your password when prompted.
- Right click and hit "Print" when your card appears on the screen.
Option 2: Call the Medicare replacement card phone number
How to get a new Medicare card by phone:
- Call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
- Alternatively, you can call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). If your benefits are from the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you can call 1-877-772-5772 (TTY 1-312-751-4701).
- Follow the phone prompts or tell the automated system that you need to replace your card.
You should get your new card in the mail within 30 days.
If you need your card faster, you can ask Medicare to send you a letter, which will act as a temporary form of identification. You can expect your letter within 10 days of your call.
Option 3: Replace your Medicare card in person
How to get a new Medicare card in person:
- Find an SSA office near you by using the Social Security Administration's office locator tool.
- Schedule an appointment or stop by and request a new card.
Call ahead and schedule an appointment to avoid long lines at your local office.
When will I get my new Medicare card?
You should get your new Medicare card within 30 days.
If you print it directly from your SSA.gov or Medicare.gov account, you'll have it immediately.
When you first get Medicare, you should get your card about three months before you turn 65. That's because the government automatically enrolls people in Medicare when they start taking Social Security payments.
But if you choose to delay your Social Security benefits, you have to sign up for Medicare on your own. In that case, you'll get your Medicare card in the mail about two weeks after you enroll. You can also expect a Medicare card in the mail within two weeks of being approved if you're eligible for Medicare because you're disabled and under 65.
If you delay your Social Security payments and you fail to sign up for Medicare at age 65, you'll have to pay a late enrollment penalty for as long as you have Medicare. That means you could be stuck paying an extra fee for the rest of your life.
It's important to sign up for Medicare when you turn 65 to avoid the late enrollment penalty.
What is a Medicare card?
A Medicare card is proof that you're enrolled in Medicare.
It contains your personal information, such as your name and coverage start dates. It also has your Medicare number, which is a unique 11-digit code that identifies you when you go to the doctor and use your coverage.
Your Medicare card also lists that you're enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and Medicare Part B (medical coverage). Although it's possible to have Medicare Part B without Part A, it's fairly uncommon.
That's because everyone who's worked for at least a decade has already paid for their Medicare Part A monthly rate through the Medicare tax.
Different types of Medicare cards
All Medicare enrollees should get a red, white and blue Original Medicare (Parts A and B) card. In addition, you may get one or two other Medicare cards, depending on which Medicare programs you're enrolled in.
Programs that come with Medicare cards
- Original Medicare (Parts A and B)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Medigap (Medicare Supplement)
- Medicare Part D
If you have Medicare Advantage, you should get a separate Medicare card. This will look different than your Original Medicare card.
Medicare Advantage cards look more like private insurance company cards. They have the name of the insurance company and certain policy limits in addition to your personal information.
Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans also issue separate Medicare cards.
It's a good idea to have all of your Medicare cards on hand when you go to the doctor or visit a pharmacy to avoid delays and other payment or service issues.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I go to get a replacement Medicare card?
You can get a replacement Medicare card online, or you can order one by phone or by going into a local Social Security office. If you lose your card, you should notify Medicare right away to avoid potential fraud.
How long does it take to get a Medicare replacement card?
If you have an online account with the Social Security Administration or Medicare.gov, you can print a new Medicare card immediately. If you want a card mailed to you, you should get it within about 30 days.
How do I find my Medicare number if I've lost my card?
If you lost your Medicare card, you can get your number by signing into your account on SSA.gov or Medicare.gov. You can also print a new card or order one in the mail.
Sources and methodology
Medicare card issuance and replacement instructions are from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), Medicare.gov and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
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