Write Your Insurance Company
You can get in touch with your insurance company by writing a letter to request a new insurance card. Here are the mailing addresses for some of the most common Medicare Advantage companies:
- Aetna: Aetna Inc., P.O. Box 14088, Lexington, KY 40512
- BlueCross BlueShield: You must contact member services online or by phone.
- Cigna: Cigna Corporate Headquarters, 900 Cottage Grove Road, Bloomfield, CT 06002
- Kaiser Permanente: Kaiser Permanente has several locations around the country. You can find addresses for each area here.
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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.
How Do I Get A Medicare Card Replacement
Fortunately, Medicare officials realize these cards may be lost. You have several options for replacement should you lose your Medicare card. These include:
- Online. You can go to MyMedicare.gov and create an account or log in to your existing profile. From this site, you can print off an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also request a replacement card to arrive via mail by clicking on Replacement Documents and then Mail my replacement Medicare card.
- Phone. You can call the Medicare office at 800-MEDICARE to request a new Medicare card. You can also call this number if youre worried someone else is using your Medicare number to obtain health benefits.
- In person. You can go to your local Social Security office and request they send you a replacement card. Search for the nearest location on the Social Security website.
When you order a replacement Medicare card, the card wont usually come for about 30 days after you ordered it. If you dont receive your Medicare card within that time, its important to contact the Medicare office again as your replacement card could be lost or stolen.
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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. |
New Lost Or Stolen: How To Get A New Medicare Card
Youre scheduled for a medical checkup shortly, but youve misplaced your Medicare card. A misplaced Medicare card can cause a great deal of stress. Youre aware that your healthcare provider will want you to present your health insurance card at your visit however, how can you obtain a replacement Medicare card if youve lost your original? Additionally, do you have time to obtain a replacement before the appointment? Fortunately, acquiring a Medicare replacement card is pretty straightforward, and there are even some steps you may take if you require one immediately. If youre in need of a new card, continue reading to learn about your alternatives.
What Youll Need to Complete the Replacement of Your Medicare Card
Requesting a replacement Medicare card is a simple process. The documentation required to obtain the new card is significantly less complicated than, for example, requesting a new Social Security card. Essentially, the only evidence required is proof of identity when applying for a new card. The method through which you apply for your card has an effect on the type of documentation required.
Is It Possible to Order a Replacement Medicare Card Online?
Is It Possible To Obtain A Replacement Medicare Card From A Local Social Security Office?
What Happens If My Local Office Is Closed As a Result of COVID-19?
To Request a Replacement Medicare Card, Who Do You Contact?
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How To Replace A Stolen Medicare Card
There are many reasons why someone may try to steal your Medicare card. Among them are to obtain their own medical care using your information, to purchase drugs, or to create fake billings to Medicare in your name, according to the Office of Inspector General . Whatever the circumstances may be, there are steps you can take to replace your stolen Medicare card and reduce the risk of identity theft.
In the past, this was much easier because your Medicare numberthe one listed on the face of your Medicare cardwas the same as your Social Security Number. As with any document or card that contains your SSN, this put you at an elevated risk of someone stealing your card.
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Call the Translating and Interpreting Service to speak with us in your language about your Medicare payments and services.
To get this you must meet one of the following:
- live in Australia or an Australian dependency island
- visit from certain countries.
Page last updated: 16 March 2022
This information was printed 20 July 2022 from https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/medicare-card. 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.
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How Do Medicare Number Or Card Scams Work
The scammers may try to convince you that you need to pay a fee to have your card fixed or activated.
A scammer could call you and claim youre eligible for a refund for a service or treatment that was covered. They would then ask for your personal information such as your Medicare number or SSN. They could also ask for a credit card number or bank information to process your refund. Do NOT provide any of that information!
Another scam is an offer of free medical supplies. A scammer may contact you and claim that you can receive a free checkup, free services, treatments, or equipment. They will ask for your Medicare number or SSN. They may claim that they need that information to verify your identity.
Ultimately the scammers goal is to get your Medicare number, SSN, bank information, or credit card number. Do not provide those details to ANYONE who randomly contacts you over the phone. Once the scammers have your personal information they may use it to commit identity theft, fraud, or to steal money.
Can You Get A Replacement Medicare Card Online
Yes! In fact, this is the easiest way to get a replacement card. You can request the new card online in a couple different ways. The quickest way is by logging into your account at MyMedicare.gov. There you will have the option to request a replacement card. You can even print an official copy of your Medicare card from your account while you wait on your new one to arrive in the mail.
f you need to change your mailing address, then you will need to request your new card through the Social Security office. You can log into your mySocialSecurity account at SSA.gov to change your address and request your new card. If you are changing your address, the process might take a little longer. If you need the card sooner, Social Security can mail you a temporary letter within 10 days that serves as proof of your Medicare benefits coverage. If you need it right away, youll need to visit your local Social Security office.
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What Is My Medicare Card
Your Medicare Card is your proof of insurance, and isnecessary if you need to go to the hospital, doctor, or in a medical emergency.It also lists information such as your Medicare Part A and Medicare Part Bstart dates, which you need to know if you apply for Medicare Supplement orMedicare Advantage coverage.
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 To Get Your Medicare Card
Youll have to enroll in Medicare to receive your Medicare card. Youll apply with the Social Security Administration either during your Initial Enrollment Period or the General Enrollment Period. If youre already receiving benefits from Social Security at age 65, youll enroll into Medicare parts A and B automatically.
How To Replace A Medicare Card Sooner Than 30 Days
There may be a time when you need a Medicare replacement card sooner than the 30 days it typically takes to arrive in the mail. For instance, you may have a doctors appointment already scheduled, or you need a prescription refilled soon.
If that is the case, Social Security or the RRB can provide a letter for you to use as temporary proof of Medicare coverage. This letter will be mailed to you in about 10 days. To request such a letter, contact Social Security or the RRB.
If you need proof of Medicare coverage immediately, go to your local Social Security office or Railroad Retirement Board office in person.
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Visit Your Local Social Security Office
Do I need to visit my Local Social Security Office? Visiting your local Social Security office isnt normally the most convenient way to apply for Medicare card replacement, but it may be the best way to get proof that youre covered by Medicare if you need to present such evidence immediately to a health service provider. You can also apply for your replacement card at your local Social Security office, but if you plan to do so you can expect long lines or waiting periods at some Social Security offices.
Replacing Your Expired Card
Well send you a new card about 4 to 8 weeks before your current card expires. You dont need to do anything. Well send it to the address we have for you.
Its important to tell us when you change address. If you dont and your card expires, your card will go to your previous address. Read more about how to update your Medicare details.
If you dont get your card, you can ask for a new one by:
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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Can You Get A Replacement Medicare Card At Your Local Social Security Office
Technically, no, but you can get very close. If you run into a situation where you need your replacement documents immediately, then visiting your local SSA office will be your best option. While you cannot get a replacement card directly from the office, you can get the next best thing.
Visiting your local office will allow you to request your new card in person, but it also gets you one step better. They can print a temporary letter for you that serves as proof of coverage until your new card arrives in the mail. Your replacement card should be mailed within 30 days, but the printed letter will work in most cases until you receive the new ID card.
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.
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What If My Local Office Is Closed Due To Covid
You should know that local offices are currently closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. So, your only other option besides online service currently is to call. You can reach the SSA toll-free at 800-772-1213 . Some local offices are accepting appointments in some circumstances, but only when you cannot complete your request online or over the phone. If you need a replacement Medicare card immediately, then your best option is to print a copy of your card from your online Medicare account.
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 ask for a replacement by using your online my Social 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 “Replace your Medicare Card” link under the Medicare Enrollment Detail section. 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 us. If you do not receive your new Medicare card after 30 days, there may be something that needs to be corrected, like your mailing address. Make sure the mailing address is correct. If not, you can update it using your personalmySocial Security account.
If you need to know your new Medicare Number, please visit myMedicare.gov/ account and sign in. You can see your Medicare Number and print an official copy of your card. If you dont have a myMedicare.gov/ account yet, go to create an account and follow the instructions.
If you cant or prefer not to use the online service, you can call 1-800-MEDICARE .
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Getting Help With Your Other Medicare Questions
Do you have other questions about your Medicare coverage? Did you know that $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans may be available in your area?
Learn more about your Medicare Advantage coverage options and compare available plans by calling today to speak with a licensed insurance agent.
Find Medicare Advantage plans in your area
Or call 1-800-557-6059TTY Users: 711 to speak with a licensed insurance agent. We accept calls 24/7!
About the author
David Levine is an award-winning writer and editor whose work has been featured in the New York Times, New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated, American Heritage, U.S. News & World Report and others.
David has covered health, health insurance and health policy topics among many others since 2017. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Rochester and currently lives in Albany, New York.
MedicareAdvantage.com is a website owned and operated by TZ Insurance Solutions LLC. TZ Insurance Solutions LLC and TruBridge, Inc. represent Medicare Advantage Organizations and Prescription Drug Plans having Medicare contracts enrollment in any plan depends upon contract renewal.
Plan availability varies by region and state. For a complete list of available plans, please contact 1-800-MEDICARE , 24 hours a day/7 days a week or consult www.medicare.gov.
Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed this information.
How Can I Get A Replacement Medicare Card
If your card is damaged or lost, log into your protected account to print an authentic copy. You can also use your Medicare account to access your Medicare information at any time. Also, you can add prescription medicines to help you find and compare health and drug plans in your area. You can also do a variety of other things too.
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