Getting & replacing your Medicare card.
At SelectQuote, we can help you better understand the ins and outs of Medicare. There’s no obligation to enroll.
New Medicare Cards & Medicare Replacement Cards
Your Medicare card proves that you have Medicare health insurance and specifically shows if you have Medicare Part A, Medicare Part B or both, and the date your coverage began. After enrolling in Medicare, you’ll receive this red, white and blue Medicare card by mail and you’ll want to carry it with you at all times as it is unique to you and your coverage.
When you visit doctors, labs and medical facilities, be sure to take your Medicare card with you. Your healthcare provider will typically make a photocopy of your card for their files, but it’s a good idea to bring it with you each time.
Getting Your New Medicare Card
Enrollment in Original Medicare (Part A and B) and the receipt of your new Medicare card is automatic for the following individuals:
- If you’re turning age 65 and receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically signed up for Part A and Part B starting the first day of the month you turn 65 and coverage typically begins at this time, too. You’ll receive your new Medicare card approximately 3 months before your 65th birthday.
- If you are age 65 and have received Social Security Disability Benefits for 24 months, your new Medicare card will arrive during the 25th month you’ve been receiving benefits, with coverage starting at the same.
- If you have ALS, you will be automatically enrolled in and covered by Medicare the same month your disability benefits begin.
If you do not qualify for automatic enrollment in Medicare, you’ll have to enroll in Original Medicare to receive your Medicare card and associated coverage:
- If you’re almost 65 and are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). After you complete your enrollment, you should receive your card within 30 days of approval.
- Individuals with end-stage renal disease can manually enroll for Medicare Part A and/or Part B through Social Security any time before or after turning 65. You will receive your card after enrollment with coverage starting the first month your disability begins.
- If you’re almost 65 and are not receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you should enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). After you complete your enrollment, you should receive your card within 30 days of approval.
- Individuals with end-stage renal disease can manually enroll for Medicare Part A and/or Part B through Social Security any time before or after turning 65. You will receive your card after enrollment with coverage starting the first month your disability begins.
Medicare Cards for Medicare Advantage Enrollees
If you’re enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, your Medicare Advantage card is your main identification, but it’s still beneficial to carry your Original Medicare card as some providers may ask for it. If you have a separate Medicare Prescription Drug plan card, be sure to also have it with you.
Replacement Medicare Cards
- Lost or Damaged Medicare Cards – The quickest way to get a Medicare card replacement is to sign in to your MyMedicare.gov account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. If you don’t have an account, visit MyMedicare.gov to create one.
- Stolen Medicare Cards –You’ll want to contact Medicare by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). If you use TTY, please call 1-877-486-2048 for assistance. If you think someone has used your Medicare card without your knowledge, you should also contact your local authorities or the Federal Trade Commission’s ID Theft Hotline at 1-877-438-4338 (TTY users 1-877-486-2048).
- Other Ways to Get a Medicare Replacement Card – You can also call the Social Security office Monday through Friday between 7am – 7pm at 1-800-772-1213. If you use TTY, please call 1-800-325-0778 for assistance. Or you can visit your local Social Security office. Check the Social Security Office Locator for the office nearest you.
You will receive your Medicare replacement card within 30 days. If you need your Medicare replacement card sooner, you can request a letter (which should arrive within 10 days) to use as temporary proof. If you need your card even sooner, visit your nearest Social Security office.
Still have questions? We can help.
At SelectQuote, we specialize in helping individuals understand the ins and outs of Medicare. In just minutes, we will compare all the Medicare options available to you. Don’t wait to ensure you’re getting all the benefits you deserve—get started today. The service is free and there’s no obligation to enroll.
