How To Replace My Lost Medicare Card

When Youll Receive Your Medicare Card

The timing of your Medicare card depends on your enrollment status. Below is a list of arrival times based on your status:

Protect Your Medicare Number Like A Credit Card

Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans , or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program .

Say no to scams

Medicare will never call you uninvited and ask you to give us personal or private information. Learn more about the limited situations in which Medicare can call you.

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For California residents, CA-Do Not Sell My Personal Info, .

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.

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.

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.

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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.

What If Youre New To Medicare

That depends on your enrollment status.

There are certain situations that result in automatic Medicare enrollment. Examples include those turning 65 who are already receiving Social Security retirement benefits and those under 65 who have been receiving Social Security disability insurance benefits for 24 months. These individuals will receive their Medicare cards in the mail about two to three months before the effective date.

Those who are not enrolled automatically must take action to enroll in Medicare. These Medicare cards will arrive about 15 to 30 days after enrolling.

If you are requesting a replacement, this card will also arrive within a month after the request. If you need your new Medicare card more quickly, you can request a temporary letter as proof of membership, which you should receive in about 10 days. Or, you can visit the mymedicare.gov site and print a temporary card.

Highlights

If you think someone is using your you suspect someone else is using your Medicare Beneficiary Identifier, contact Social Security right away.

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How To Replace Private Medicare Plan Cards

Those who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Part D Prescription Drug plans, Medicare Supplement plans or other types of Medicare plans may receive separate insurance cards for those.

To replace those cards, contact your Medicare plan carrier directly and ask how to get a replacement card from your insurance company.

After Requesting Your New Card Whats Next

After you apply for your replacement card, it should arrive in the mail in about 30 days.

If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should apply for a replacement card promptly because your card is the best verification that you have Medicare.

Even if youve been managing for months or years now without replacing a lost Medicare card, dont count on beating the odds forever. Although your current health care provider may not ask to see your card every time you visit, you never know when you may need to see another doctorone who will ask for proof of your enrollment in Medicare. Replacing a lost or stolen Medicare card now may well save you a lot of trouble in the future. It doesnt cost anything to replace your card, and it could provide peace of mind to know youve got your Medicare card and instant proof of your eligibility for so many great Medicare-covered services.

For even greater peace of mind, youll want to check out Medicare supplement insurance and Medicare Advantage Plans. Enrollment in Original Medicare provides health coverage youll need, but Medicare supplement insurance provide fuller coverage by filling gaps in Original Medicare, covering a wider range of health care services, and saving you a lot of money in the long run.

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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

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

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How To Replace Your Lost Medicare Card

Oh No, youve looked in your wallet and much to your dismay youve lost Medicare card. Your Medicare card is proof of your Medicare coverage. You might need it to get services at a doctors office or hospital. Depending on how you receive your Medicare benefits will determine who you need to contact to get a replacement card. You will either be contacting the Social Security Administration or the Railroad Retirement Board .

Not to fret though, it is fairly easy to get a replacement Medicare card. Depending on how fast you need your replacement card, will determine which of the several options available is best.

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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What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Card Is Stolen

In the event that you have Medicare Advantagea Medicare plan offered through a private insurance provideryou will need to contact your insurance provider directly and let them know that your card has been stolen. Each provider has a different process for dealing with this type of situation, so its important to ask what you need to do in the event that someone has taken your card.

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No one from Medicare will ever call you and request this information.

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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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.

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 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.

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.

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What If You Signed Up Through The Railroad Retirement Board

The Railroad Retirement Board oversees Medicare for railroad workers. In 2019, there were 535,000 people in the U.S. who received Railroad Retirement Board Benefits. The same year, the RRB automatically enrolled nearly 24,900 beneficiaries for Medicare.3

If you are receiving RRB Benefits prior to 65, you are enrolled automatically in Medicare at age 65 and your card will arrive about two months before that. If you arent receiving benefits before 65, you will need to take steps to enroll in Medicare.

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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How To Protect Your Medicare Card

Medicare cards are made from paper, so they are likely to wear out from use over time. It is up to you to protect your card to keep it in good condition. You also need to safeguard your card to prevent identity theft of your Medicare information.

Some people consider laminating their card to protect it from wear and tear. The Social Security Administration does not recommend doing that, however, because laminating the card may interfere with its security features. Instead, use a clear plastic cardholder or sleeve to protect it from damage and keep it visible for your providers.

The Social Security Administration also suggests you consider photocopying your card. Keep the copy in a safe location, such as a lockbox or safe deposit box with other important documents.

You should also keep important numbers, including the Medicare phone number and the contact details for Medicare Advantage or Medigap providers, handy and in a safe place.

When Do You Get Your Medicare Card

Once you have applied and have been accepted into the Medicare program, youll receive a membership card. You can expect your Medicare card to arrive about three weeks from the date of approval. If youre already receiving Social Security benefits, youll be enrolled automatically. Your Medicare card should arrive about two months prior to your 65th birthday.

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Get Help Replacing A Lost Stolen Or Damaged Medicare Card

• If your Medicare card has been lost, stolen or damaged, follow these instructions to replace your Medicare card. You can also use our helpful links to log in to your MyMedicare.gov or Social Security account.

Your Medicare card is a valuable item, as it helps you use your Original Medicare health insurance benefits when receiving health care. Your Medicare card also contains important private information such as your Medicare number that could be used for fraudulent purposes if it winds up in the wrong hands.

Beneficiaries should take extra care to keep their Medicare card in a safe place at all times. Accidents happen, though. If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, here are some recommended steps you can follow to get a replacement card.

How To Access Care Without A Medicare Card

If you need care and do not have a Medicare card or replacement letter, you still can receive healthcare services.

• If you have Original Medicare, log in to myMedicare.gov and print a temporary copy of your Medicare card.
• Ask your healthcare provider to look up your Medicare number online.
• Your primary care doctor and other previous healthcare providers may also have your insurance information on file in their medical records.

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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.