How To Get A Medicare Card Replacement

• If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can order a replacement Medicare card online. 

• You also have the option to print an official copy of your Medicare card from your online Medicare account.

• Help to replace a Medicare card is also available by phone.

• Those who receive Medicare health or drug benefits through Medicare Advantage or otherwise will use their private health insurance card for care (but should keep their Medicare card in case they choose to return to Original Medicare).

If you need a replacement card for Medicare, you may be wondering how to go about obtaining a new one. This article will explain everything you will need to know about applying for a new Medicare card.

Medicare beneficiaries will receive a red, white, and blue Medicare card after signing up for Medicare. This card will come in the mail with your welcome packet. The Medicare card will contain: 
 

• A unique Medicare number (Note: this is not your Social Security Administration number)
• The Medicare Coverage (Parts) you have (i.e. Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B, or both)
• Coverage dates

Note: If a beneficiary receives Medicare benefits through the Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), their card will have the RRB symbol at the top of their Medicare card and ​“Railroad Retirement Board” written on the bottom.

Do Medicare Advantage Plans Have A Medicare Card?

Yes. However, those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will not use their Medicare card to receive healthcare services but their health insurance plan’s card instead. It is important for Medicare Advantage members to keep their Medicare card safe in the event they decide to switch to Original Medicare or another Medicare health plan later.

Do Medicare Supplement Insurance Members Receive A Medicare Card?

Yes. However, when using Medicare supplement insurance to receive benefits, members would use their supplemental insurance plan’s card.
 

There are a number of situations that would require someone to receive a new Medicare card. These events include: 

• The Medicare card is lost 

• The Medicare card is stolen

• The Medicare card is damaged

• The beneficiary had a name change

Note: Your Medicare card will contain the name you have on your Social Security card. If you legally change your name, visit the official Social Security website to learn how to update your Social Security card.

How To Report A Stolen Medicare Card Or Medicare Number

It is vital to treat your Medicare card and Medicare number the way you would a credit card number. Never share your Medicare card number or any other important personal information with anyone who contacts you via phone, email, or in-person for those details. 

Only share private information with trusted persons including your health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or verified individuals that work with Medicare such as your local Social Security office.

If you suspect you are receiving a spam call regarding your Medicare benefits, hang up immediately and call 1–800-MEDICARE (1–800-633‑4227). TTY: 1–877-486‑2048.

Note: Medicare never contacts beneficiaries without warning or asks for private information. Learn more about situations when Medicare would call you at this resource.

If you need to replace your Medicare card, you can do so online using your ​“my Social Security” account. (If you do not have a Social Security account yet, you can create one here.)

Once logged in to the Social Security benefits portal, take the following steps: 

1. Go to the ​“Medicare Enrollment Detail” section and select the ​“Medicare Replacement Card” link

2. Select ​“Mail My Replacement Card”

From here, a new Medicare card will arrive in the mail to the address on file within about 30 days of when the request was submitted. 

Note: Do remember to confirm your mailing address on file with your Social Security account when you request a replacement Medicare card.

If you would prefer to print the replacement card at home, you can do so by logging in to your Medicare online account and following the steps there.

How To Get A Replacement Medicare Card With RRB Benefits

If you are receiving retirement benefits through the RRB, call 1–877-772‑5772 to get a replacement card. TTY users can call 1–312-751‑4701.

When do you need to use your Medicare card?

You would need to use your Medicare card when receiving medical services. It is recommended that you carry your Medicare card on you in the event you may need to obtain care. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to carry your specific health insurance card when seeking healthcare.

How do you find your Medicare card number if you no longer have the card?

Simply sign into your MyMedicare.gov account. Once logged in, you will be able to access your Medicare card number or print an official copy of your card.

Why would someone steal your Medicare card?

Someone may steal a Medicare card to commit medical fraud or identity theft. Essentially, the thief would steal the Medicare card number to obtain medical care (i.e. see a doctor, fill prescriptions, or file claims with your insurance provider).