Apply for your Medicare card 3 months before your 65 th birthday, contact Social Security and enroll in Medicare. You will get your Red, White, and Blue card in the mail. See sample above. This is your Medicare card. Sometimes it is referred to as your Red, White, and Blue card. This card will show that you have medical health insurance.
Full Answer
Do I need a red white and blue card for Medicare?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO, PPO, or PFFS), you will not use the red, white, and blue card when you go to the doctor or hospital. Instead, you will use your Medicare Advantage Plan card, which you should receive in the mail.
How do I get a new Medicare card?
Go to Sign In or Create an Account. Once you are logged in to your account, select the "Replacement Documents" tab. Your Medicare card will arrive in the mail in about 30 days at the address on file with Social Security. Medicare is mailing new Medicare cards now. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov/newcard.
What should I do with my Medicare card?
Take your Medicare card to all medical appointments. Leave your card at home in a safe place when you don’t need it. Never share your Medicare card or your Medicare ID number with anyone except your doctor, pharmacist, insurer or other healthcare provider. Have your Medicare card handy when you call Medicare with questions.
How do I get a copy of my lost 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. My name changed — Your Medicare card shows the name you have on file with Social Security.
Are Medicare cards red white and blue?
Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance (Part A) and medical insurance (Part B) began.
Does Medicare automatically send you a card?
You should automatically receive your Medicare card three months before your 65th birthday. You will automatically be enrolled in Medicare after 24 months and should receive your Medicare card in the 25th month.
How do I get a plastic Medicare card?
The only way you can get a plastic Medicare card is through our secure online order form.
Can I get a Medicare card online?
You can get your own Medicare card using: your Medicare online account through myGov. the Express Plus Medicare mobile app.
What is a red Medicare card?
Key Takeaways. Medicare will send you a red, white and blue card in the mail. This card will include your unique Medicare number and the start date of your Parts A and/or B benefits. If you are enrolled in Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, Medigap or Part D prescription drug plan, you will receive separate cards.
What do I do if I don't get my Medicare card?
Once Medicare starts mailing cards to your state, it can take up to a month to receive the card. If the government has finished mailing the cards to your state, and you did not receive a card, contact Medicare right away at 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) or 1-877-486-2048 for TTY users.
Is Medicare sending out new cards for 2021?
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will begin mailing out new Medicare cards to 58 million current beneficiaries this April, according to the AARP. Some things to know about the new Medicare card: Residents won't need to take any action to get their new Medicare card.
Is Medicare giving out new plastic cards?
Scammers falsely tell Medicare beneficiaries that Medicare is issuing new Medicare cards. Medicare isn't issuing new cards and Medicare employees don't contact participants through unsolicited calls, emails, or visits. Medicare communicates with beneficiaries via mail.
How do I get my Medicare card laminated?
Can I Laminate My Medicare Card?Visit the Social Security website.Call the agency at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users call 1-800-325-0778) Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM.Visit your local Social Security office.
What is the blue Medicare card?
The blue Medicare card bearing the words "INTERIM CARD" is for people who have applied for permanent residence. Visitors from countries with which Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) receive a card bearing the words "RECIPROCAL HEALTH CARE".
What documents do I need to apply for Medicare?
What documents do I need to enroll in Medicare?your Social Security number.your date and place of birth.your citizenship status.the name and Social Security number of your current spouse and any former spouses.the date and place of any marriages or divorces you've had.More items...
How long does it take to get a Medicare card?
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.
Sometimes You’Re Automatically Enrolled in Medicare
Medicare enrollment may happen automatically if the following situations apply.If you turn 65 years oldIf you’re already receiving Social Security...
If You’Re New to Medicare
You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if: 1. You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you...
If You Need A New Medicare Card Sooner
Have a doctor’s appointment? If you can’t wait 30 days for your new card to arrive, you can visit your local Social Security office or call 1-800-7...
Keeping Your Medicare Card Safe
Keep your Medicare card in a safe place, and don’t let anyone else use it. Always have your card handy when you call Medicare with questions.You sh...
When will Medicare start?
If you turn 65 years old. If you’re already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, when you reach age 65. Your Medicare card should arrive about three months before your 65th birthday, and your Medicare coverage starts the first day ...
When will Medicare be available for Social Security?
If you get Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board disability benefits, you’ll be automatically enrolled in Medicare after 24 months of collecting disability. Your Medicare card should arrive in the 25th month.
How to contact Medicare if you are married?
If you’re a TTY user, you can call 1-312-751-4701. You can also sign up online at in person. If you’re married, you and your spouse should each have your own separate Medicare cards with separate Medicare claim numbers. Don’t mix them up, and never use each other’s cards.
How old do you have to be to get Medicare?
Medicare sends you a red, white, and blue card when you’re signed up. You’re generally eligible for Medicare if you’re a United States citizen or permanent legal resident of at least five continuous years, and you generally qualify by age (65 or older). However, you may qualify for Medicare before turning 65 if you receive Social Security ...
What is the number to call for Social Security?
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. You can also sign up online at in person.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare if you don't qualify?
If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period, in most cases you’ll have to wait until the General Enrollment Period, which takes place from January to March 31 every year. You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). ...
Do you have to pay late enrollment penalty for Medicare?
You may have to pay a late-enrollment penalty for Medicare Part B (and for Medicare Part A, if you don’t qualify for premium-free Part A). Some people decide to delay Medicare Part B enrollment if they have other coverage, since Part B comes with a premium.
Protect your Medicare Number like a credit card
Only give personal information, like your Medicare Number, to health care providers, your insurance companies or health plans (and their licensed agents or brokers), or people you trust that work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) A state program that gets money from the federal government to give free local health insurance counseling to people with Medicare. ..
Carrying your card
You’ll need the information on your Medicare card to join a Medicare health or drug plan or buy Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap), Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) An insurance policy you can buy to help lower your share of certain costs for Part A and Part B services (Original Medicare). 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.
What is the Medicare card?
Everyone who enrolls in Medicare receives a red, white, and blue Medicare card. This card lists your name and the dates that your Original Medicare hospital insurance ( Part A) and medical insurance ( Part B) began. It will also show your Medicare number, which serves as an identification number in the Medicare system.
When will Medicare cards be available for 2020?
Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries. You can still use your old card to get your care covered until January 1, 2020. However, if you have not received your new card, you should call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227) and speak to a representative.
Do you have to use a blue card to go to the doctor?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (like an HMO, PPO, or PFFS), you will not use the red, white, and blue card when you go to the doctor or hospital.
Do you have to show your Medicare card to your doctor?
If you have a supplemental insurance plan, like a Medigap, retiree, or union plan, make sure to show that plan’s card to your doctor or hospital, too, so that they can bill the plan for your out-of-pocket costs . Note: Medicare has finished mailing new Medicare cards to all beneficiaries.
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 my Medicare card is stolen?
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 is a red, white, and blue Medicare card?
Your red, white, and blue Original Medicare card is your proof of Medicare, Medicare Advantage plan, or prescription drug plan coverage. You need your card when receiving services or having prescriptions filled. If your card is lost, damaged, or stolen you can get a replacement card. You can also get temporary proof of coverage while waiting ...
How to get a replacement Medicare card?
You can also make your request for a replacement Medicare card by telephone. Call the Social Security office at 1-800-772-1213 (or by TTY at 1-800-325-0778). Phone service is available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can complete your request over the phone.
How to get temporary coverage letter?
You can call Social Security (1-800-772-1213/TTY 1-800-325-0778) to request a temporary coverage letter. Social Security will mail the letter to you in about 10 days at your address on file with Social Security.
