New or Replaced Medicare ID Card? What You Need to Know
Key Takeaways
- Medicare cards are issued when you first enroll in Medicare. Even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will still be issued a Medicare card.
- If you don’t receive your Medicare ID following auto-enroll in Part AMedicare Part A is hospital insurance, which covers the care you receive while admitted to a hospital, skilled nursing facility, or other inpatient facility. Medicare Part A is part of Original Medicare. , you can expect it 30 days after enrolling in benefits.
- Your Medicare card proves that you are insured and helps physicians, hospitals and pharmacies bill Medicare correctly.
- Your Medicare card contains your name, Medicare ID number and the effective dates for both Part A and B. It no longer includes your Social Security number.
- Keep your Medicare card in a safe location. If lost or stolen, you can get a replacement card by going online, calling Medicare, or visiting a local Social Security office.
Keeping hold of your Medicare card, even if you have a Medicare Advantage plan, is important to do. When going to the doctor, pharmacy, or hospital your Medicare card proves that you are insured and helps providers bill Medicare correctly. When not using your Medicare card it is a wise idea to keep it in a safe place to prevent loss or identity theft. If you misplace or lose your Medicare card, rest assured you can get a replacement.
Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage Cards
You will receive your Medicare card when you first become enrolled in Medicare. Even if you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, you will still be issued the standard red, white, and blue Medicare card. In addition, your Medicare Advantage plan will issue its own card for your usage. The MA card may have additional information, such as copay and benefit details.
Keep your Medicare card in a safe location and only show it to doctors, hospitals, and the pharmacy, or to licensed insurance agents and brokers if you are shopping for a new plan. However, accidents happen and if your card is lost or stolen, it can be replaced. Let’s learn how.
What’s On Your Medicare Card?
Medicare cards are issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It is a paper card with distinctive red, white and blue stripes at the top. This Medicare card image example depicts what a Medicare card generally looks like, though the design may change in the future.
The following information is listed on your Medicare card:
- Your full name
- Your Medicare ID, which is a unique combination of letters and numbers
- Your coverage type, such as if you have Part A, Part B, or both.
- Effective dates of when your Medicare first became active
My Medicare coverage doesn’t address all of my needs.
How Do I Get a Replacement Medicare Card?
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged it is fairly simple to get a replacement card. Replacement cards can be obtained online, over the phone or through your Social Security Account.
Get a Replacement Medicare Card Online
Applying for a replacement Medicare online is the easiest and quickest way to get a new card. You can request a replacement card through Medicare.gov. You will need to create an online account if not done so already. Once the replacement card has been issued, it can be printed and immediately used. If you are unable to print the new card, you can request a copy be sent in the mail.
Get a Replacement Medicare Card Over the Phone
If you prefer, you can also request a replacement Medicare card over the phone. Simply call 1-800-MEDICARE or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. Your new card will be mailed to your home address.
Get a Replacement Medicare Card In Person
It is also possible to get a replacement Medicare card by visiting your local security office. Visit SSA.gov to locate the closest field office. Make sure to call and verify hours of operation prior to visiting the office.
When and How Do I Get My Medicare ID Card?
You’ll automatically receive your Medicare ID card if you’re eligible and enrolled in Medicare, but the timing and process depend on how and when you sign up. If you are enrolled in Social Security then you will automatically get your Medicare ID card in the mail approximately three months prior to your 65th birthday. If you apply yourself, the Medicare ID card will be mailed to your home 2-3 weeks after enrollment.
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Why Do I Need My Medicare Card If I Have Medicare Advantage?
Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans are sold by private insurance companies. All Medical Advantage plans offer the same benefits as Original Medicare and many have additional coverage beyond what Original Medicare offers.
Each MA plan will issue their own ID card. Your Medicare Advantage card is your primary ID for care while you are enrolled in that plan, but keep your Original Medicare card safe. It’s still your official proof of Medicare coverage.
How to Replace Your Medicare Advantage Card
If you lose your Medicare Advantage card, your insurance company will likely offer options for you to get a new one. Contact your plan’s customer service phone number to request a replacement card or order a replacement card online on the company’s customer service portal. You may also be able to access a digital version of your card immediately through your online account.
What Is a “mySocialSecurity” Account?
The Social Security Administration designed the mySocialSecurity website as an online portal to access and change your personal information. Here, beneficiaries can revise and access their information without having to wait in a lobby or on the phone. By creating a mySocialSecurity account, you can:
- Access your Social Security statement and benefits
- Change your address and phone number
- Check status of applications
- Report wages
- Start or change direct deposit
- Request replacement Medicare cards
Putting It All Together
Medicare cards may be needed when visiting the doctor, pharmacy, or hospital, as it proves you’re insured and helps ensure providers bill Medicare correctly. When you’re not using your card, be sure to store it in a safe place to protect against loss or identity theft. If your card is ever lost or misplaced, don’t worry, you can easily request a replacement. Consider contacting a licensed insurance agent if you need assistance with replacing your Medicare card.
Why does my Medicare ID card come from Social Security and not Medicare?
Do I automatically receive a Medicare ID card if I start receiving Social Security retirement benefits for a disability?
You will receive a Medicare card once you’ve received disability payments from Social Security for 24 months.
Should my Social Security number be displayed on my Medicare ID card?
Your Medicare identification number should not show your Social Security number. If you’ve been enrolled in Medicare for a few years and your member-based Social Security number (HICN) is still shown on your Medicare card, you should order a replacement immediately.
The Social Security Administration stopped using customers’ social security numbers as Medicare ID numbers to protect private data. And while new numbers called Medical Billing Identifiers (MBI) were issued and replacement cards were mailed, many Medicare beneficiaries are still using outdated cards showing their Social Security numbers. If this is you, request a new card for security reasons.
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Sources
- Contact Medicare. Medicare.gov
- Create your personal my Social Security account today. SSA.gov