Replacing Your Medicare Card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can apply for a replacement card online through the My Social Security Account at the Social Security website. You will have to set up an account if you havent already done so.
How to Apply for a Replacement Medicare Card Online
Your replacement card will be mailed to your address on file with Social Security. It should arrive in the mail in about 30 days.
You will receive a new Medicare ID number when you apply for a replacement card. If you need your new number before the replacement card arrives, you can log on to myMedicare.gov and print out an official copy of your new card.
You can also apply for a replacement card over the phone at 1-800-633-4227 .
What About Medicare Advantage And Medicare Part D
Medicare Advantage plans, as well as Part D prescription drug plans, are offered by private insurance companies, not the U.S. government. This means that these plans will have their own insurance ID cards for you to use.
Your Original Medicare card will only apply if you have Part A and Part B coverage. However, you should still make sure to keep your Original Medicare card safe, in case your coverage changes.
How Do I Get A Replacement Medicare Card
Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare insurance. If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal mySocial Security account.
If you dont already have an account, you can create one online. Go to .
Once you are logged in to your account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab. Then select Mail my replacement Medicare card.
Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing the request.
If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options. In your personal mySocial Security account, you can get your Benefit Verification Letter, which includes your Medicare number. You can also visit Medicare.gov and sign in to see your Medicare number and print an official copy of your card. If you dont have a Medicare.gov account, go to Medicare.gov and select Log In/Create Account. Then, follow the instructions.
If you cant or prefer not to use the online service, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE .
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If You Do Not Qualify For Automatic Enrollment Youll Get Your Medicare Id Card Once You Complete Enrolling In Original Medicare Youll Need To Enroll Yourself If Any Of The Below Are True For You
- If you are turning 65 and are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits. Coverage usually begins the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday is on the first day of the month, coverage usually starts the month prior.
- If you have End-Stage Renal Disease Permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant., you will receive your Medicare ID card once you complete your Original Medicare enrollment. Coverage starts the first month your disability begins.
- If you live in Puerto Rico and receive social security benefits from Railroad Retirement Benefits, you are automatically eligible for Part A. If you also want Part B, you need to apply for it. You will receive your new Medicare ID card once you complete your Part B enrollment. Fill out this Application for Enrollment in Part B.
Replacing Your Lost Stolen Or Damaged Card

If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a new card. You can do this by:
- calling the Medicare program.
Your new card will replace your old card. Youll have the same Medicare number that you did before, but your old card will no longer be valid. Well send your new card in 3 to 4 weeks. Well send it to the address you give us.
You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card in the meantime. Read more about how to get a digital card.
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What Is The Purpose Of My Medicare Number And Card
Bring your Medicare card with you to any doctors appointment or hospital visit with any healthcare
practitioner. Similarly, whether or not you intend to see a doctor, please keep it on hand.
For claim and billing purposes, a beneficiarys Medicare number is used to identify them. Furthermore,
keeping the red, white, and blue Medicare card on hand will make an emergency health issue easier.
How Your Medicare Claim Number Is Used
Medicare beneficiaries generally do not have to file claims on their own. When you receive care, your health care provider will take your Medicare card and use the claim number on the front of your card to file a claim on your behalf. According to Medicare rules, health care providers have one year from the date of service to file a claim.
If for some reason you must file a Medicare claim yourself, you must complete the Patient Request for Medical Payment along with an itemized bill for your services or items and a letter detailing the reason for filing the claim yourself.
These documents must be submitted to the appropriate Medicare Administrative Contractor . These are private health care insurers that have jurisdiction for processing Medicare claims in their respective geographic areas.
You may for assistance filing a claim.
Once your claim is filed, you may track it online in your MyMedicare.gov account within 24 hours of filing. You will also receive a Medicare Summary Notice in the mail every three months detailing all your claims for that period.
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Can You Still See Your Doctor If You Lose Your Card
You should be able to. If your doctors office has a recent copy of your Medicare card, they may already have your Medicare information on file. Many health practices update their records annually and may ask for your card.
Sometimes doctors can look up your Medicare information without requiring your card if they have access to the Medicare Administrative Contractor portal. Youll need to provide your full legal name, birthday and SSN.7
Where Do I Go To Sign Up For Medicare
You can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B in person at a Social Security office near you.
You can also enroll online at www.ssa.gov., or you can call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 .
The Social Security Administration website features a Medicare section that allows you to perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Request a new Medicare cardNew Medicare cards were recently issued to all beneficiaries. You may request a replacement card if yours has been lost or stolen.
- Update your personal informationIf you moved to a new address or changed your name or telephone number, you may update your information online.
- Apply for MedicareYou may enroll in Medicare Part B online or sign up for Medicare Part A .
- Manage your benefitsUse the online portal to check on your applications and appeals, report your wages, check your earnings, set up direct deposit for your benefits payments and more.
The official U.S. government website for Medicare is Medicare.gov. Here you can do a number of things, including:
- Learn about your Medicare coverage options and when you can enroll
- Find out how to get prescription drug coverage
- Find ways to get help paying for Medicare
- File claims and appeals and check claim statuses
- Learn about your rights as a Medicare beneficiary
You may also create an account at MyMedicare.gov to monitor a claim status, view records and expenses and more.
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When Do You Get Your Medicare Card
When you receive your Medicare card depends on how and when you enroll in Medicare. The timing is tied to when you start receiving retirement or disability benefits through Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board.
Five Explanations for When You Will Receive Your Medicare Card
- Already Receiving Retirement Benefits
Review Your Medicare Plan Coverage Options
Its a good idea to review your Medicare coverage every year to make sure the benefits of your Medicare plan remain aligned with your health care needs. There are four types of Medicare coverage that are called parts of Medicare, as well as another type of insurance called Medicare Supplement Insurance.
The basics of each type of Medicare plan is as follows:
An annual review of your Medicare coverage can help you determine if your plan combination is right for your needs. For example, if youre spending a considerable amount of money on prescription drugs, a Medicare Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage may be something to consider.
Find Medicare Advantage Plans with prescription drug coverage
Or you can visit MyRxPlans.com to compare Part D prescription drug plans and enroll in a plan online in as little as 10 minutes.1
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How Do You Get Another Medicare Card
My card is lost or damaged Log into your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.
My name changed Your Medicare card shows the name you have on file with Social Security. Get details from Social Security if you legally changed your name.
Protect your identity
When Does My Coverage Start

When and how you enroll for a Medicare plan impacts when your coverage begins. Your benefits may not start until three months after you apply.
If you have not received an acceptance letter 45 to 90 days after submitting your application, call the Social Security Administration or check online. You will need your Medicare application number to do so.
Once your coverage begins, you do not need to reapply each year for Medicare benefits.
However, you will have an opportunity to change plans or adjust your coverage during the open enrollment period, which runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 each year.
Prepare for the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period
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How Can I Find My Medicare Number
You can find your Medicare number on your Medicare card. Or you can sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account to view your number. You can use this account to not only view your number but print an official copy of your card.
You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE , TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048, to get your Medicare card or number.
How To Protect Your Ssn
Since a lost or stolen SSN number can cause so much damage to your finances, you should always do everything possible to protect it. First, you should keep your Social Security card in a safe place and only carry it with you when absolutely necessary. Do not keep it in your wallet and carry it all the time because that greatly increases the odds that it will be lost. Also, be very mindful of phishing scams so that you do not inadvertently give your information to a thief.
Keep a close eye on your credit report. If you notice anything suspicious or see accounts listed that you did not open, then you should take immediate action. Go ahead and place a fraud alert with the credit bureaus Experian, Equifax, and Transunion. You might even consider placing a freeze on your SSN so that no one has access to your credit file. Depending on the severity of the situation, you might consider seeking legal advice for the proper way to handle the situation.
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When Will My Medicare Card Arrive
If you are enrolled in Medicare automatically, you will get your card three months before your 65th
birthday or just before your 25th month of disability benefits. Medicare mails it to those who signed up
shortly after enrollment at the address on file with Social Security.
If you want to learn more about your Medicare coverage options, our qualified agents are happy to
assist you. Call 950-0608 or go online to compare options now.
How Do I Get My Medicare Number Online
You can find your Medicare Number online by logging into your Medicare.gov account and following the prompts to request a new Medicare card. Youll have the option to print out a copy of your card. This step will allow you to see your Medicare Number without having to wait until your card arrives in the mail.
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What If I Get Disability Benefits
If you receive government disability benefits, then you will receive a Medicare card on the 25th month after your benefits begin.
In this case, your benefits will function the same as they do for someone who is 65. Your Medicare card will allow you to receive your benefits and will serve as proof that you are insured under Medicare.
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MedicareInsurance.com, DBA of Health Insurance Associates LLC, is privately owned and operated. MedicareInsurance.com is a non-government asset for people on Medicare, providing resources in easy to understand format. The government Medicare site is www.medicare.gov.
This website and its contents are for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for experienced medical advice. We recommend consulting with your medical provider regarding diagnosis or treatment, including choices about changes to medication, treatments, diets, daily routines, or exercise.
This communications purpose is insurance solicitation. A licensed insurance agent/producer or insurance company will contact you. Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not linked with or sanctioned by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program.
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What Is A Medicare Provider Number
A Medicare/Medicaid Provider Number verifies that a provider has been Medicare certified and establishes the type of care the provider can perform. This identifier is a six-digit number. The first two digits specify the state in which the provider is located, and the last four digits indicate the type of facility. For Ambulatory Surgery Centers, the MPN is 10 digits with the first two digits representing the state where the surgery center is located.
MPN is also known as an OSCAR Number, Medicare Identification Number, and Provider Number.
Should I Wait For My Replacement Card Before Going To The Doctor

You dont have to wait for your new Medicare insurance card. Your health care provider may already have your information on file if youve been there before. Your health care provider may be able to help you look up your Medicare number.And dont forget that you can print a temporary card from your MyMedicare.gov account.
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Advantages Of Dual Eligibility
Dual Eligibility opens a path for Medicare savings programs such as the QMB for the benefit of low-income Medicare members. Medicaid pays expenses, premiums, and costs consistent with their budgets. The goal is to get the most favorable situation for a low-income person getting health benefits through Medicare.
A small boost from Medicaid can add a much larger amount of needed benefits from Medicare. Medicare Part B leaves a standard cost share amount of twenty percent for the consumers payment. Members with dual eligibility can get some coverage of the cost share gap from Medicaid.
How Do You Replace Your Medicare Card
You can get a new copy of your card by logging onto your online Social Security account. If you dont have a Social Security account yet, youll have to create one to request a new card. Medicare beneficiaries can also call 1-800-772-1213 or contact their local Social Security office to receive a copy of their card.
According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail. You can also go online to your Medicare account and print a copy of your card from there until the official copy arrives.6
If you lost your Medicare card and believe that someone else might be using your number, call 1-800-MEDICARE .
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Getting A Replacement Card
If youve lost your card and need to get a new Medicare card, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE , or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users. They will walk you through getting a new card shipped to your address as soon as possible.
You can also get a replacement card directly from the MyMedicare website, by navigating to Replacement Documents and selecting the option to have a new card mailed to you.
If you need proof of enrollment immediately, the most surefire way to get it is by visiting your local Social Security office to get proof of insurance.
What If Medicare Called Me
There are very few scenarios where Medicare would call you. Even if a Medicare representative calls you, they’ll never ask for your personal information over the phone. Beware of scammers: Medicare fraud is very common. If you ever have any doubt that the person who has called you is truly from Medicare, just hang up. Then, call 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY 1-877-486-2048 to report the incident.
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Getting An Extra Card
Your family can get a second card with the same details. We provide an extra card when more than 1 family member needs a card. We can only issue 1 extra card.
We cant issue an extra card when youre the only person on your card.
You can ask for an extra card by:
- calling the Medicare general enquiries line.
Well send your extra card in 3 to 4 weeks. Well send it to the address you give us.
You can also use a digital copy of your Medicare card. Read more about how to get a digital card.
This information was printed 23 December 2021 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/get-new-medicare-card-if-it-expires-or-lost-stolen-or-damaged. It may not include all of the relevant information on this topic. Please consider any relevant site notices at https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/site-notices when using this material.