New or Replaced Medicare ID Card? What You Need to Know

Reviewed by: Selah Lee, Licensed Insurance Agent

Key Takeaways

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) no longer includes member-based social security numbers (HICN) on ID cards. If your card doesn’t have the Medicare Billing Identifier (MBI) listed, order a new card.
You can manage changes like address or status with a social security online account.
If you don’t receive your Medicare ID following auto-enroll in Part A , you can expect it 30 days after enrolling in benefits.

If you’re a Medicare recipient, your Medicare ID card unlocks some pretty impressive benefits. But like so many other things, people often don’t look for it until they need it. If you’re new to Medicare — or if you need a Medicare card replacement — here are some basics about getting your Medicare ID card.

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When and how can I apply for my Medicare ID Card?

Applying for your new Medicare Card is the same as enrolling in Medicare. If you’re an American citizen, or have lived in the country legally for more than five years, you’re eligible to sign up for Medicare if you:

are 65 years of age or older
receive Social Security benefits for more than 24 consecutive months
receive Railroad Retirement Board benefits for more than 24 consecutive months
have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), require permanent dialysis or a kidney transplant
have Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease

The most common reason to sign up for Medicare is turning 65. But you shouldn’t wait until your actual birthday to enroll. Instead, remember the seven-month rule; you can enroll during your birth month, plus the three months before and the three months after.

For example, if your birthday is in June, your enrollment window opens at the beginning of March and closes at the end of September.

What if I have Medicare Advantage or Prescription Part D?

You will receive a Medicare Card even if you have separate cards for your Medicare Advantage and/or Medicare Prescription Plan (Part D). While you will use those other cards for your medical care, you may be asked to show your Medicare Card when you receive medical care.

When do I receive my Medicare ID Card?

When you receive your Medicare Card depends on how you signed up.

If you are automatically enrolled: Your Medicare Card should be mailed roughly three months before you turn 65, or on the 25th month you receive disability benefits.^[i]
You enroll yourself: New cards typically arrive 3-4 weeks after enrollment. If your new card hasn’t arrived within 30 days, contact your Social Security office to verify your mailing address. Enrolling in Medicare at the beginning of your seven-month window helps avoid delays and makes sure your card is in-hand when your coverage begins.

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Who do I contact if my Medicare ID Card is lost or stolen?

The Social Security Administration handles Medicare Card replacements. Consumers can contact the agency for a replacement in several ways. They include:

Request a replacement Medicare Card online

To request a replacement card online, you’ll need to log into your mySocialSecurity account. If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to sign up.^[i] Once you’re logged in, select the “Replacement Documents” tab and click “Mail my replacement Medicare Card.” Your replacement card will be mailed to your address on file.

Request a replacement Medicare Card over the phone

If you’d prefer to request your new Medicare Card over the phone, you can call the Social Security office.

Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Mon. to Fri.; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Request a replacement Medicare Card in person

Customers with limited phone and internet access can visit their local Social Security office to request a replacement card in-person. Visit the Social Security Office Locator^[i] to check your local office’s location and hours.

What is “mySocialSecurity” account?

The Social Security Administration designed the mySocialSecurity website as an online portal to access and change your personal information. Now, 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
Much more

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FAQs

Sources

Your Medicare Card . Medicare.gov.
Sign In or Create an Account . SSA. gov.
Social Security Office Locator . SSA.gov.
Getting Medicare if you have a disability . Medicare.gov.

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