How To Request A Medicare Replacement Card
Your Medicare card is proof that you have Medicare health coverage and, as a beneficiary, is one of the most important documents you own. When you receive treatment you may be asked by your provider to show your Medicare card as proof of insurance.
If youre new to Medicare, you may be wondering how the process of requesting a Medicare card works. Youll typically get your Medicare card when you first apply for Medicare benefits. Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65, while some individuals may qualify at any age through disability or certain health conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis .
Signing up for Medicare and the timing of when you apply for Medicare works differently depending on how you qualify for Medicare and, in some cases, whether youre already receiving retirement benefits when you turn 65. This can all affect when you will receive your Medicare card.
Are you new to Medicare and wondering when you can expect your Medicare card in the mail? Or do you already have Medicare and need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card? Just scroll down to learn when your Medicare card will be mailed to you and how to request a Medicare card replacement.
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 .
If Youre New To Medicare
Youll have to manually apply for Medicare if:
- You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but youll need to sign up for Part B.
- You arent receiving retirement benefits yet.
- You have end-stage renal disease .
If you have end-stage renal disease , you can apply for Medicare at any time. Otherwise, youre first eligible to enroll during your seven-month Initial Enrollment Period, which typically starts three months before you turn 65, includes the month of your 65th birthday, and ends three months later. When your Medicare coverage begins and when you get your Medicare card depends on the month you sign up during this period.
If you dont enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases youll have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, which takes place from January to March 31 every year. You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B .
Some people decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment if they have other coverage, since Part B comes with a premium. If youre working and have health coverage through an employer, you can sign up for Part B with a Special Enrollment Period when you stop working or that coverage ends. You wont have to pay a late enrollment penalty if you sign up during a Special Enrollment Period.
If you worked for a railroad, youd apply for Medicare through the Railroad Retirement Board. Otherwise, youd sign up through Social Security.
Also Check: Will Medicare Pay For Drug Rehab
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.
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.
Also Check: Does Medicare Pay For Eyeglasses For Diabetics
Medicare Part C And Medicare Part D Cards
Because Medicare Advantage and Medicare prescription drug coverage are available through private insurers, you will get a different card from the insurance company. This card will look different from the red, white, and blue Medicare card you received for your Original Medicare coverage. The card will include the name of the private insurer and possibly a logo indicating your plan type.
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription drug coverage, you may have a single card for all your medical and prescription drug needs. You will only need to present your Medicare Advantage Plan ID card to your doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies therefore it is a good idea to leave your Medicare card at home or in a safe place.
If you have both Original Medicare and Medicare Part D, you will have two separate identification cards, one for each type of coverage. Contact your private insurer if you have any questions about your identification card.
Would you like to take a look at some of the Medicare plans available in your area? Just enter your zip code in the box on this page to display a list and start comparing plans.
Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealths Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage. Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.
When To Expect Your Replacement Medicare Card
Your replacement Medicare card should be mailed to the address on file in roughly 30 days. Make sure that Social Security has your most current mailing address. If you have moved recently, youll need to update your address before Social Security can send you a new card.
If you need a replacement Medicare card immediately to receive health services and cannot wait 30 days, you may also request a temporary letter as proof of Medicare entitlement. Visit your local Social Security office to make an in-person request for this letter, which should arrive in about 10 days.
Medicare information is everywhere. What is hard is knowing which information to trust. Because eHealths Medicare related content is compliant with CMS regulations, you can rest assured youre getting accurate information so you can make the right decisions for your coverage. Read more to learn about our Compliance Program.
NEW TO MEDICARE?
Don’t Miss: Does Medicare Cover Dupuytren’s Contracture
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
How Do I Order Otc Wellcare
There are 2 ways to order OTC items from Wellcare:
You must first activate your OTC card. Please call OTC Card Services at 1-888-682-2400 or go online to the OTC Network website . You will need to provide: The OTC card number printed on the front of the card.
Similarly, how do I order something from WellCare? Free OTC ItemsSign in to order online or by phone at 1-877-389-9457 . The Over-the-Counter Catalog includes a detailed list of available items from allergy medications to sunblock to vitamins.
Also question is, how do I apply for over the counter benefits?
There are several different ways you can access your OTC benefit:
Can you get OTC medicine with Medicaid?
Medicaid covers these over-the-counter drugs pursuant to a written/verbal/electronic prescription. Covered OTC products must be manufactured by pharmaceutical companies participating in the Federal Drug Rebate Program. OTC prescriptions are included in the monthly drug benefit limit but all count as generics.
You May Like: Is Medicare Advantage A Good Choice
When Will I Receive My Medicare Card
Medicare eligibility begins for most people at age 65. If youre collecting Social Security benefits beforehand , youll be automatically signed up for Medicare Part A, and you should receive your Medicare card in the mail about three months prior to your 65th birthday. Meanwhile, if you qualify for Medicare because of a disability, youll get your card in the mail about three months before your 25th month of receiving Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
If you need to sign up for Medicare yourself youll generally get your card in the mail within 30 days of enrolling.
Should I Carry My Medicare Card With Me
You should bring your Medicare card along any time youre visiting a provider to receive medical treatment or going to a pharmacy to fill a prescription or when you go to a hospital. Otherwise, its a good idea to store your Medicare card in a secure place, like a filing cabinet or safe.
Youll use your Original Medicare card to fill prescriptions only if they are covered by Medicare Part B . In all other cases, youll use your Part D prescription drug plan when filling prescriptions.
You should not share that card with anyone in a non-medical capacity. For example, your bank does not need a copy of your Medicare card. Remember, even though Medicare cards no longer list Social Security numbers, they still contain personal information, like your unique Medicare ID number, so be careful about who sees that card. Keep in mind that Medicare will not call you over the phone asking you to confirm your personal ID number. If someone calls asking for that, assume its a scam.
Recommended Reading: Does Medicare Pay For Teeth Implants
How To Get A Medicare Card Replacement // New Lost Or Stolen
So, you have a medical appointment soon but you seem to have misplaced your Medicare card. A lost Medicare card can lead to a lot of headache. You know your healthcare provider requires you to present your health insurance card at the appointment, so how can you get a replacement Medicare card if you no longer have your original? Plus, do you even have time to get a new one before the appointment? Thankfully, requesting a Medicare replacement card is fairly simple, and there are even some things you can do if you need it quickly. If you need a card replacement, then keep reading to learn about your options.
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.
Don’t Miss: Does Social Security Automatically Sign You Up For Medicare
Who Do You Call To Get A Replacement Medicare Card
If you simply need a replacement card and do not need to change any of your information, you should call the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. You can find their full contact information on their website. However, the phone number for Medicare is easy to remember. The Medicare number is simply 1-800-Medicare. You can request your new card over the phone, and it will be mailed to your address within 30 days. If you need to change your address or other information, then you will need to contact the Social Security Administration.
Do Green Cardholders Qualify For Medicare
Green card applicants can qualify for Medicare without enough work credits. But, youll likely need to pay for Part A premiums. Since Part A costs are based on how long youve worked in the United States and paid taxes towards Medicare, costs could vary.
Those that have worked a minimum of ten years could qualify for premium-free Part A. Now, Part B is a little different. Youre costs depend on how much you make each year. High-income earners will pay a Part B IRMAA. Also, if youre eligible for Medicare and delay enrollment, penalties could raise the cost of your premiums if you enroll later on.
Recommended Reading: How Much Does Medicare Part B Cost At Age 65
Why Should I Get One
There are a bunch of advantages to getting your own Medicare card:
- Youll be able to get support for your own wellbeing like going to a psychologist or getting a sexual health check up with less worry about who can see that you’ve had the appointment.
- Youll get a sense of independence having a card of your own.
- The government only issues up to three copies of the one card, so if there are four or more people in your family, getting your own card will be more convenient.
- A Medicare card can also count as ID evidence for all sorts of things, like applying for a passport.
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.
Read Also: When Can Medicare Plans Be Changed
How Do You Apply For A Medicare Card
You apply for your Medicare card when you first enroll in Medicare Part A, Part B or both. There are four different options for manually enrolling in Medicare.
How to Apply for a Medicare Card
- You can apply in person at your local Social Security office.
- Railroad workers can apply by calling the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 .
Sometimes Youre Automatically Enrolled In Medicare
Medicare enrollment may happen automatically if the following situations apply.
If you turn 65 years old
If youre already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, youll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, when you reach age 65. Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the month you turn 65.
If you retire before 65
You can apply for Social Security retirement benefits when youre 61 years and 9 months old or older see the agencys contact information below. However, in most cases, you dont qualify for Medicare until the age of 65 .,
If youre eligible for Railroad Retirement Board benefits, see the agencys for information about retiring before age 65, or call them at the number listed below.
If you qualify for Medicare because of disability
If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, youll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of collecting disability. Your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month.
If you have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
People with ALS, or Lou Gehrigs disease, are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B the same month their disability benefits start.
Unless the situations above apply to you, youll need to manually enroll in Medicare. If thats you, heres how to get your Medicare card.
Don’t Miss: Will Medicare Pay For An Inversion Table
