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 donât have an account, you can create one here. If youâve recently moved or changed your name, you can also update the information Medicare has on file for you through your account.
- Visit your local Social Security office.
- If you worked for a railroad, request a replacement card through the Railroad Retirement Board . You can also call the RRB at 1-877-772-5772 , Monday through Friday, 9AM to 3:30PM.
Your replacement Medicare card will be mailed to you about 30 days after you submit your request. The card will be sent to your address on file, so contact Social Security or the RRB to update your address if youâve recently moved. You can also update your address and contact information yourself by logging into your My Social Security account.
If youâre enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, or other type of Medicare plan, you may have a separate insurance card. If you need to replace your card, contact your Medicare plan directly for more information on getting a replacement card.
Replacing A Stolen Original Medicare Card
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, if your Original Medicare card is stolen, lost, or destroyed, you should , select the Replacement Documents tab, and choose the Mail my replacement Medicare Card option.
Upon receiving your request, your new Medicare card will be mailed to the address the agency has on file for you and you can expect to receive it in approximately 30 days. If you dont have an online account or wish to speak with someone at Medicare directly, you can call them at 772-1213 . Representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Another option is to contact your local Social Security Office and request a new card through them. If youre unsure how to do that, the Social Security Administration has a free online search you can use to identify your local office. Once you enter your zip code, the site will give you the information for the one in your area. This includes providing its address, phone number, and hours of operation.
Also, after making your request for a new Medicare card, MyMedicare.gov notes that you can check on its status by signing into your account and clicking on the Order History tab. This will tell you where your replacement card is in the process.
Medicare Advantage Enrollees Get A Separate Card
If you have Medicare Advantage, youll need your plans card to receive services. That card will be mailed to you automatically soon after you enroll. If you need to replace it, call your plan provider. Likewise, if you need a card for your prescription drug plan , contact your provider.
In any case, always keep your Medicare card and Medicare number in a safe place. Medicare fraud is a big problem, and it will be a hassle if your card or number is stolen. If you believe that someone is using your Medicare number, call 633-4227 to report it.
About the author:John Rossheim is an editor and writer specializing in health care and workforce trends. His work has appeared in The Washington Post and on MSN, Monster and dozens of other websites.Read more
Read Also: Where Do I Send My Part B Medicare Application
When Will My Medicare Card Arrive
As mentioned, the process of applying for Medicare can vary depending on your particular situation and how you qualify for Medicare. This will affect the timing of when your Medicare card arrives in the mail as well. If youâre already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board retirement benefits when you turn 65, youâll be automatically enrolled in Medicare when you turn 65. Your Medicare card should be sent in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday. If you need to manually enroll in Medicare during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, the arrival of your Medicare card will depend on which month you signed up for Medicare. Your Initial Enrollment Period starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birthday month, and ends three months later.
If you qualify for Medicare because of disability, your Medicare card will arrive in the mail three months before your 25th month of disability benefits.
What Youll Need To Replace Your Medicare Card
Requesting a new Medicare card is a straightforward process. The documentation required to obtain the new card is much simpler than requesting a new Social Security card, for example. Essentially, the only documentation required when you request your new card is proof of identity. The method you use for requesting your card plays a role in what type of documentation is required.
If you request your card online through the Medicare.gov website, then youll simply need to log in to your account. Since you have already verified your identity when the account was created, no additional verification is required. This is one reason you should keep your account information and password secure and always stored in a safe place. Once you request the replacement, it will be mailed to your address on file with the Social Security Administration.
You can also request a new card through your my Social Security account. If you use this method, you will need to provide identification verification such as your full name, Social Security number, and address. You may even be asked additional verification questions such as your place of birth or mothers maiden name. So, the good news is that you do not have to worry about gathering lots of documentation to get a new Medicare card!
Don’t Miss: Who Offers Medicare Supplemental Insurance
How To Protect Personal Medicare Information
Your Medicare beneficiary identifier number is private and personal. It is critical that you take the necessary steps to prevent identity theft and insurance fraud. For example:
- Never share your Medicare beneficiary identifier number with anyone except your healthcare providers.
- Never provide personal Medicare information to a person who emails or calls and asks for that information.
- Never let another person borrow your card to pay for services on your behalf.
- Check your Medicare Summary Notice to make sure that it is accurate. If you notice healthcare services that you did not receive, first call your healthcare provider to ask if there has been a billing error.
- If you are concerned about possible Medicare identity theft or fraudulent activity, you should contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE . TTY users call 1-877-486-2048.
What Do You Need To Know About Your Medicare Card
Your red-white-and-blue paper Medicare card is similar to other health insurance cards you may have had in the past. It acts as proof that you have Medicare health insurance, and it provides the starting date of your coverage.
Did You Know?
A red-white-and-blue paper Medicare card is mailed to adults who are turning 65 and enrolled in Medicare.
You May Like: How To Enroll In Medicare D
You Can Request Your Card Online Today
Sign in or create an account to submit your request
You can replace your card online and receive it in 14 days. You can also use your account to check the status of your request and manage other benefits you receive from us.
Trouble signing in?
Start the application online and visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application.
Prefer to talk to someone?
Contact your local SSA office.
You can start your Social Security number card application online. Once you’ve submitted your request, visit your local SSA office for additional guidance for completing your application. You will need to give us some of the information you provided again.
For As Long As Youve Had Medicare Youve Known How Important Your Red White And Blue Medicare Card Can Be
Your Medicare card is your best proof that youre covered by Medicare insurance.
Youve used your card to receive a variety of health care services, and youve never had a problem with your Medicare card.
But now youve lost your card. Maybe it was stolen. Or perhaps it was damaged and needs to be replaced.
Whichever of these situations applies to you, the result is the same. You need a replacement Medicare card.
Don’t Miss: What Is The Best Medicare Supplement Company
How Do You Avoid Medicare Fraud From A Lost Or Stolen Card
Medicare fraud happens when false claims or misrepresentations of fact result in a federal health care payment that should not have occurred. If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, someone may try to commit fraud by submitting a claim with your information to get paid for services that were never provided. The best ways to avoid fraud from a lost or stolen card are:
- Replace your card immediately.
- Keep written records of all health care services you receive.
- Review your Medicare Summary Notice or Explanation of Benefits to ensure you and your Medicare health and drug plan are only being charged for actual services received.
- Report suspected fraud by contacting Medicare at MEDICARE 633-4227. TTY users can call 486-2048.
- If youre in a Medicare Advantage Plan, call the Medicare Drug Integrity Contractor at 7SAFERX 772-3379).
- Understand what Medicare plan representatives can and cant do. For instance, dont believe anyone who calls you from Medicare or Social Security. These agencies will never initiate a call to you and will only call you if you ask them to.
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
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Rides To Medical Appointments
Reducing The Risk Of A Stolen Medicare Card
In an effort to reduce the risk of theft, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began issuing new Medicare cards with the SSNs removed. This initiative started in April 2018 and it will continue until April 2019, which is when all Medicare cards have been effectively replaced.
While this should help limit the appeal of obtaining your Medicare card, there remains the possibility that it could be stolen. What should you do if this happens to you?
Getting And Replacing Your Medicare Card
Need a Medicare card? Heres how to get one whether youre new to Medicare or need a replacement.
- VI.
What you should know
| 1.When you apply for Medicare, upon approval, you will receive a red, white, and blue Medicare membership card. | 2. Your Medicare card wont have your Social Security number on it. There will be a unique identification number thats generated and listed on your card. |
| 3. Your Medicare card is in paper form. It isnt advised that you laminate your card. It isnt illegal however, there are security features built-in that may be compromised if the card is laminated. |
Don’t Miss: What Is Medicare Type A
Ordering Your Replacement Medicare Card Online
Making a request for a new card online is the easiest way for most people to get a new Medicare card. The process is simple and the website is secure. Visit the Social Security Administrations Replace a Medicare Card page and fill out the online application for a replacement card.
To order a replacement Medicare card, youll need to provide exact information about your last payment or benefit, your Social Security number and your name as it appears on your Social Security card, your date of birth, and your telephone number. You may also need to provide further information for identification purposes.
How Do I Get A New Medicare Card If My Card Is Lost Stolen Or Damaged How Do I Change My Contact Information
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account, even if you don’t yet receive Social Security benefits. If dont already have a Social Security on-line 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.If you cant or prefer not to use the online service:
- Call us at 1-800-772-1213 , Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. or
You May Like: How Do I Qualify For Medicare Low Income Subsidy
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.
Get Your Medicare Card By Mail
Is it in the mail? Sure. At least, thats what they told you. A lot of other people heard the same thing. But, as we all know, things can happen with the mail. Some people never receive their Medicare cards in the mail and need to request replacement cards even though theyve never even seen their Medicare cards.
If for any reason you never received or cant find your Medicare card, the good news is that youre not alone. Nearly 750,000 Americans contact the Social Security Administration to replace Medicare cards every yearand its easy to replace a Medicare card thats been lost, stolen, or damaged.
Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Pay For Lung Cancer Screening
A Note Aboutmedicare Replacement Cards And The New Medicare Card
Have you received a new Medicare card in the mail? You should have received it by now. The new Medicare cards no longer have your Social Security number as part of your Medicare number. Instead, to protect your personal information, you have a personal Medicare number thats unique to you.
If you havent received your new Medicare card, follow any of the steps outlined above.
Interested in comparing your Medicare coverage options right away? Simply type your zip code into the box on this page. Wed be glad to help you with questions. The links below can help you get information from a licensed eHealth insurance agent.
New To Medicare?
Becoming eligible for Medicare can be daunting. But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand Medicare in 15 minutes or less.
What Documents Do I Need To Provide The Ssa To Get A New Card
You may need to provide one or more of the following documents for the SSA or Medicare to verify your identity:
Depending on how you request your replacement card or a new card you may not have to provide those documents. But have them on hand just in case.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Home Health Care For Seniors
Did You Get Your New Medicare Card
All Medicare beneficiaries were supposed to get new cards by April 2019 featuring a randomly generated Medicare Beneficiary Identifier ,2 This card uses numbers and letters, instead of a Social Security number. This is meant to prevent identity theft. If you still havent gotten one, request a replacement card. Medicare recommends that you destroy the old card with your Social Security number on it when your new one arrives.
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.
Also Check: Does Medicare Cover Dental Emergencies
