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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Typically, your Medicare card will arrive in the mail within 30 days of enrollment. Those who are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board retirement benefits and are automatically enrolled in Medicare at age 65 will usually get their card a few months before their 65th birthday.
Those who you qualify for Medicare because of disability will get their Medicare card in the mail three months before their 25th month of disability benefits.
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
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How To Get A Replacement Card During A Natural Disaster Or Emergency
If youre in an area affected by a natural disaster or another emergency, the rules for how you receive care via Medicare may be suspended. For example, you may not have as strict rules about going to in-network providers or pharmacies.
If possible, you can obtain an image of your Medicare plan in an emergency by going to MyMedicare.gov and printing a replacement copy. Its a good idea to go ahead and sign up for an online account now. If theres an emergency, youll already have your login information.
Medicare.gov has a page on how to get care in specific emergencies, including if you need dialysis or cancer treatments.
How Long Does It Take To Get A New Medicare Card
Once youve submitted your request, it typically takes 30 days to receive your new card in the mail. Until you receive your card, you can print a temporary card from your SSA account online. Or at MyMedicare.gov.
You can also save a digital copy of your Medicare card. You should also send it via email to your doctors officeif they accept a digital record.
Once you get your new card, be sure to store it in a safe place. Keep your Medicare things together. This includes your Medicare card, your Medicare Supplement card, and other medical-related information.
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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 To Do If You Think Your Medicaid Card Has Been Compromised
A lost or stolen Medicaid card that falls into the wrong hands can lead to fraud against the Medicaid program or even against you. Thats why its so important to report a lost or stolen card immediately.
Medicaid employs its own fraud investigators, and filing a report with this team can establish proof that you reported the missing card at a particular time and date, which can help protect you from identity theft.
Its important to not allow anyone else to use your Medicaid card. Not only could the person using the card encounter legal trouble for using the card, but you could be held liable for fraud as well.
If you are enrolled in a Medicaid-Medicare plan such as a Dual-eligible Special Needs Plan, you may have a separate card, and you may need to contact your insurance carrier directly to report a lost card and request a new one.
These plans are designed for people on both Medicare and Medicaid and feature a set of benefits that cater to those specific needs. Plan members do not pay a monthly premium and most plans include dental benefits that may include coverage for dentures.
If you are eligible for Medicare, speak to a licensed insurance agent to find out if Dual-eligible Special Needs Plans are available in your area.
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How Do I Get A New Medicare Card
Contributing expert: Kelly Blackwell, Certified Senior Advisor®Updated: September 16, 2021Replace your Medicare card and avoid Medicare fraud if your card is lost or stolen.
Kelly Blackwell
Kelly Blackwell is a Certified Senior Advisor ®. She has been a healthcare professional for over 30 years, with experience working as a bedside nurse and as a Clinical Manager. She has a passion for educating, assisting and advising seniors throughout the healthcare process.
Your Medicare card shows your name, a unique number, and your hospital and medical coverage and start dates. If youve lost your card, you could have trouble getting services from health care providers and put yourself at risk of Medicare fraud. You can get a replacement Medicare card by logging in to your Social Security or Medicare account or calling for help.
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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 .
How To Replace Your Medicaid Card
As soon as you notice your Medicaid card is missing, you should call your state Medicaid program immediately. You can use an online directory to find the phone number for your states Medicaid program. You may be given a pre-recorded prompt that includes directions to replace a lost or stolen Medicaid card. If not, ask to speak to a representative and be prepared to give your Social Security number.
Because Medicaid is run by individual states, the actual process for obtaining a replacement Medicaid card can vary by state. Most states will send you a new card in the mail that contains a new Medicaid number. Some states will make replacement cards available online that you may download and print, which is handy when you cant afford to wait for a replacement card to come through the mail.
More information about replacement cards may be found on each respective state Medicaid program website, which may also be found in the directory linked to above.
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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.
What Your Medicare Card Will Look Like
Once you have been accepted into the Medicare program, the next step is to receive your Medicare card. Your Medicare card acts as the card that you use at the healthcare facilities. It has a unique number with your name on it, along with your Medicare Part A and, if you have it, Part B effective dates.
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How Do I Order A Replacement Medicare Card
En español | You can request a replacement Medicare card by contacting Social Security at www.ssa.gov.
To make your online request, you will need your:
- Name as it appears on your most recent Social Security card
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
Your Medicare card should arrive in the mail in about 30 days.If you prefer, or if you are unable to use the online request to obtain a replacement Medicare card, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 .
How To Replace A Lost Stolen Or Damaged Medicare Card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or becomes damaged or worn out, you need to replace it as soon as possible. There are several ways to do this:
- If you have Original Medicare, you can request a new card by calling Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE . TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
- If you worked for a railroad, you can call the Railroad Retirement Board at 877-772-5772 , Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- You can call Social Security at 800-772-1213 , Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- You can also request a replacement card online at the Social Security website. You will need to create a My Social Security account to sign in if you dont already have one. Once you have logged in, select the Replacement documents tab, and then select Mail my replacement Medicare card.
- You can request a new card in person at your local Social Security office. New Medicare cards typically arrive in the mail about 30 days after you place your request.
- If you have a Medicare Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare , you should contact your plan provider for a new card. You can follow the instructions from that providers customer service line or website to request a replacement card.
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How To Replace Your Medicare Card
If you lost your Medicare card, have no fear. You havent lost your health insurance, and replacing your card is easy.
You can order your new card online by logging into your Social Security account. Simply visit the Social Security website, SSA.gov. Once youve logged in:
Be sure to verify your mailing address before you send the card. You can also print an official copy of your Medicare card to use while you wait.
If you want to speak to a person, you can call in your request. Call phone number 1-800-MEDICARE or TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. Follow the prompts when you call. The typical wait time is very short. And the customer service representatives are helpful and courteous.
Finally, if you want to order your card in person, you can. Youll need to go to your local Social Security Administration office. Most are open Monday through Friday.
Lost Stolen Or Damaged Cards
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, it can be replaced.
Any New Brunswick resident who has a valid Medicare card may have it replaced if it is lost, stolen or damaged for the minimal fee of $10.00.
If you report your card stolen, in order to protect your privacy, the stolen card will be terminated. A new Medicare number and card will be issued upon receipt of the $10.00 fee. It is your responsibility to notify your service providers of your new number.
To arrange for a replacement card, visit your local Service New Brunswick office or send a completed Medicare Change Request, Replacement and/or Renewal, signed and dated, to New Brunswick Medicare, along with a cheque or money order, made payable to the Minister of Finance, in the amount of $10.00 for each replacement card required .
Exempt from the $10.00 replacement card fee are:
- Seniors who receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement,
- Income assistance recipients, and
- Residentâs whoâve received a damaged or misprinted card.
NOTE: The Department of Health is committed to safeguarding your privacy. Visit our privacy webpage for more information on our privacy practices and about your rights regarding this issue.
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What Insurance Companies Say To Do
Most insurance companies advise contacting them or visiting their online portal if you lose your Medicare card. Some ways you can obtain the information include:
- bringing your enrollment confirmation from your Medicare Advantage plan to the pharmacy, being sure it includes your plans name, enrollment confirmation number, and a phone number on how to contact the plan
- keeping a scanned copy of the front and back of your card in a safe place so you can access your policy number and key phone numbers to call
I Need A Medicare Replacement Card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace a Medicare card through the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board.
You have a few options:
- Request a replacement Medicare card online through your My Social Security account. If you dont have an account, you can create one here. If youve recently moved or changed your name, you can also update the information Medicare has on file for you through your account.
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Risks Associated With Losing Your Card
If your card is lost, the information that it contains can be used to commit Medicare fraud. Medicare fraud consists of somebody using your Medicare information to receive the benefits that you are due. This can also result in you receiving bills for coinsurance payments and other out-of-pocket fees associated with the care that the fraudster is receiving.
If you lose your card, make sure that you order a new one rather than just permanently using a printed out copy. When you order a new Medicare card, you will receive a new Medicare number, which will prohibit your old number being used for fraud.
Aside from losing your card, fraud can also occur in other cases. Many fraudsters target seniors and Medicare beneficiaries on the phone to request their information, such as their Medicare number of Social Security number. Medicare will never request your Medicare number from you over the phone, so be careful about who you share this information with! In general, Medicare advises that you treat your Medicare card like a credit card: dont share the information with anybody.
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The purpose of this communication is the solicitation of insurance. Callers will be directed to a licensed insurance agent with TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc. and/or a third-party partner who can provide more information about Medicare Advantage Plans offered by one or several Medicare-contracted carrier. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC, TruBridge, Inc., and the licensed sales agents that may call you are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. Government or the federal Medicare program.
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When Should I File A Medicare Change Of Address
Whenever you need health care as a Medicare beneficiary, your health-care provider, hospital, or medical supplier will ask to see your Medicare card to verify your benefits. If your card gets lost or stolen, its important to have a current address on file with the Social Security Administration so you can get a replacement Medicare card as quickly as possible.
If you know your address is about to change, you can file a Medicare change of address as soon as you have an address and effective date. Even if you file a change of address form with the post office, its still a good idea to complete a Medicare change of address with Social Security to prevent any delays in receiving important notices and information related to your benefits.
If you have questions about your coverage and Medicare change of address procedures, Im happy to assist you in any way I can. Click one of the links below to schedule a phone call or request an email with information prepared just for you. You can even find out about plans in your area by clicking on the Compare Plans button below.
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