how do i get a medicare card for the first time

• Apply for Medicare online at the Social Security Administration website.
• Apply over the phone by calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users should call 1-800-325-0778).
• You can apply in person at your local Social Security office.
• Railroad workers can apply by calling the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users should call 1-312-751-4701).

Full Answer

How do I get Started with Medicare?

Aug 25, 2016 · Getting a Medicare card starts with a phone call: Social Security: 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-800-325-0778. Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 3:30PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701.

When should I sign up for Medicare?

My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) 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.

Why have I not received my Medicare card?

Jan 01, 2022 · Ways to sign up: Online (at Social Security) – It’s the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. (You’ll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for benefits.) Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

How do I enroll in Medicare?

Mar 30, 2021 · Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing the request.

Does Medicare automatically send you a card?

Applying for Your Medicare Card. For some people, Medicare enrollment occurs automatically, while others need to manually enroll. Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you're signed up.

How do I enroll in Medicare for the first time?

Apply online (at Social Security) – This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up and get any financial help you may need. You'll need to create your secure my Social Security account to sign up for Medicare or apply for Social Security benefits online. Call 1-800-772-1213. TTY users can call 1-800-325-0778.

When should I receive my Medicare card?

If you are automatically enrolled in Medicare, your card will arrive in the mail two to three months before your 65th birthday. Otherwise, you'll usually receive your card about three weeks to one month after applying for Medicare.

Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?

You automatically get Medicare when you turn 65 Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.

Are you automatically enrolled in Medicare if you are on Social Security?

Yes. If you are receiving benefits, the Social Security Administration will automatically sign you up at age 65 for parts A and B of Medicare. (Medicare is operated by the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, but Social Security handles enrollment.)

How long does it take for a Medicare application to be approved?

Most Medicare provider number applications are taking up to 12 calendar days to process from the date we get your application. Some applications may take longer if they need to be assessed by the Department of Health. We assess your application to see if you're eligible to access Medicare benefits.Dec 10, 2021

Can I print my new Medicare card online?

To print your Medicare card, you actually need to log in to a completely different online account at www.medicare.gov. Once logged in, you'll see a section titled “What do you want to do?”. Click on “Print my Medicare card”. The next page will prompt you to re-enter your online password.May 25, 2021

How do I know if I am enrolled in Medicare?

Visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get the most current information. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. “Enrolling in Medicare Part A & Part B” isn't a legal document.

How do I know if I am automatically enrolled in Medicare?

You'll be automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B: If you are already getting benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board. If you are younger than 65 and have a disability. If you have Lou Gehrig's disease, also called Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS.Jan 28, 2020

Is Medicare age changing to 67?

3 The retirement age will remain 66 until 2017, when it will increase in 2-month increments to 67 in 2022. Several proposals have suggested raising both the normal retirement age and the Medicare eligibility age.

Does Medicare start on birthdays?

Your Medicare coverage generally starts on the first day of your birthday month. If your birthday falls on the first day of the month, your Medicare coverage starts the first day of the previous month. If you qualify for Medicare because of a disability or illness, in most cases your IEP is also seven months.

How long before you turn 65 do you apply for Medicare?

3 monthsGenerally, you're first eligible starting 3 months before you turn 65 and ending 3 months after the month you turn 65. If you don't sign up for Part B when you're first eligible, you might have to wait to sign up and go months without coverage. You might also pay a monthly penalty for as long as you have Part B.

Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card

Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurers or health plans, or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your#N#State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)#N#State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)#N#A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare.#N#..

Carrying your card

You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy#N#Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap),#N#Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)#N#An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare).#N#so keep your Medicare card in a safe place..

How do you get another Medicare card?

My card is lost or damaged — Log into (or create) your Medicare account to print an official copy of your Medicare card. You can also call us at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to order a replacement card. TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048.

How to get a replacement Medicare card?

Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.”. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security so be sure to make sure your mailing address is correct before completing ...

What happens if you lose your Medicare card?

If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can request a replacement with your personal my Social Security account. If you don’t already have an account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.

What happens if you lose your Medicare number?

If it is lost or stolen and gets into the wrong hands, you could be the victim of identity theft. Your personal information could be used fraudulently to obtain medical care or submit billing to Medicare in your name. Today, your Medicare number is no longer your SSN.

How long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?

According to the Health and Human Services Department, it can take about 30 days for your replacement card to arrive in the mail.

Is Medicare a Social Security number?

Good to Know. Your Medicare number is no longer your Social Security number, but a more secure combination of letters and numbers that helps protect you from identity theft .

What is Part A in Medicare?

Part A —If you have Part A, labeled HOSPITAL, you are entitled to care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, hospice care and home healthcare. The date your coverage begins is also included. 4. Part B —If you have Part B, labeled MEDICAL, you are entitled to medical care and preventive services.