
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...
- Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from 9AM to 3:30PM. If you’re a TTY user, you can call...
Full Answer
Why have I not received my Medicare card?
Carrying your card. You’ll use your plan’s card to get services, not your Medicare card. Keep your Medicare card in a safe place in case you switch plans or go back to Original Medicare later.
How to get a red, white and blue Medicare card?
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... Railroad Retirement Board: 1-877-772-5772, Monday through Friday, from …
How to qualify Medicare with a green 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.
When will my new Medicare card arrive?
Applying for a Medicare card You can manually enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways: Online through the Social Security website. By calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM.

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.
Do I automatically get Medicare when I turn 65?
Medicare will automatically start when you turn 65 if you've received Social Security Benefits or Railroad Retirement Benefits for at least 4 months prior to your 65th birthday. You'll automatically be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B at 65 if you get benefit checks.
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.
Is Medicare issuing new cards in 2021?
All Medicare beneficiaries will be receiving new Medicare cards with their MBI. Current beneficiaries will be mailed a replacement Medicare card and instructions, while individuals who are new to Medicare in or after April 2018 will receive a new Medicare card with their MBI upon enrollment.
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.
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 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
Do Medicare cards expire?
Healthcare providers use the Medicare number on the card to bill services. Generally, a person does not have to renew their Medicare card each year, as it will automatically renew. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged people can get a new card at no cost.Aug 11, 2020
How do I get my Medicare number online?
Sign in to myGov and select Medicare. If you're using the app, open it and enter your myGov PIN. On your homepage, select My card. You'll see your current Medicare card.Mar 15, 2022
Are they sending out 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. Scammers falsely allege Medicare is issuing new plastic or metal Medicare cards or black and white Covid-19 Medicare cards.Mar 17, 2021
Can I get a plastic Medicare card?
There are no laws or government regulations that prevent you from making a copy of your Medicare card. In fact, Medicare recommends that you make a copy to carry with you, so you can keep your original Medicare card tucked safely away.
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 to Expect Your Medicare Card
If you are already receiving retirement benefits: If you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) benefits, you sho...
Applying For A Medicare Card
You can manually enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B in the following ways: 1. Online through the Social Security website. 2. By calli...
Medicare Card Replacement
If you have recently moved or need to replace a lost, stolen, or damaged Medicare card, read our article on how to request a replacement card. You...
Medicare Part C and Medicare Part D Cards
Because Medicare Advantage (Medicare Part C) and Medicare prescription drug coverage(Medicare Part D) are available through private insurers, you w...
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.
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 ...
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 phone number for eHealth?
Call eHealth's licensed insurance agents at 888-391-2659, TTY users 711 . We are available Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm ET. You may receive a messaging service on weekends and holidays from February 15 through September 30. Please leave a message and your call will be returned the next business day.
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). ...
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 long does it take to get a replacement Medicare card?
Replacement Medicare cards will be mailed to your address in about 30 days. If you need proof of Medicare coverage immediately to visit a doctor or for a prescription, visit your local Social Security office.
When do you have to enroll in Medicare?
If you are not yet receiving retirement benefits, and close to turning 65, you will need to enroll in Medicare Part A and/or Medicare Part B during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which begins three months before you turn 65 and lasts seven months. You can apply for Medicare Part A and/or Part B through Social Security ...
What does a Medicare Advantage card include?
If your Medicare Advantage plan includes prescription drug coverage, you may have a single card for all your medical and prescription drug needs.
What is a red, white, and blue Medicare card?
Your red, white, and blue Medicare card is proof that you are enrolled in Original Medicare. It is the most important piece of identification you own as a Medicare beneficiary, and you will generally need your Medicare card in order ...
How long does it take to get a retirement card if you are 65?
If you are almost 65 and are not receiving retirement benefits, you must enroll during your Individual Enrollment Period which runs through the 3 months before the month you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the 3 months after you turn 65. You can expect your card in the mail within 30 days of being approved.
How to contact Social Security office?
By calling Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) , Monday through Friday, from 7AM to 7PM. If you worked at a railroad, call the Railroad Retirement Board at 1-877-772-5772 (TTY users 1-312-751-4701), Monday through Friday, from 8AM to 3:30PM. By visiting your local Social Security office.
Do you have to bring your Medicare card to a doctor?
Remember these important rules for handling your Medicare card: Some doctors, labs, pharmacies, or other health care providers may require you to bring your Medicare card each time you receive a service. However for safety, you may wish to leave your Medicare card at home in a safe place at other times.
Medicare Eligibility, Applications, and Appeals
Find information about Medicare, how to apply, report fraud and complaints.
Voluntary Termination of Medicare Part B
You can voluntarily terminate your Medicare Part B (medical insurance). It is a serious decision. You must submit Form CMS-1763 ( PDF, Download Adobe Reader) to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Visit or call the SSA ( 1-800-772-1213) to get this form.
Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Part D)
Part D of Medicare is an insurance coverage plan for prescription medication. Learn about the costs for Medicare drug coverage.
Replace Your Medicare Card
You can replace your Medicare card in one of the following ways if it was lost, stolen, or destroyed:
Medicare Coverage Outside the United States
Medicare coverage outside the United States is limited. Learn about coverage if you live or are traveling outside the United States.
Do you have a question?
Ask a real person any government-related question for free. They'll get you the answer or let you know where to find it.
How long does it take for a Medicare card to arrive?
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.
How to get a replacement Medicare card if lost?
If your Medicare card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, you can ask for a replacement by using your online my Social Security account, even if you don't yet receive Social Security benefits. If don’t already have a Social Security on-line account, you can create one online. Go to Sign In or Create an Account.
How long does it take to get Medicare?
This date marks the beginning of your Initial Enrollment Period. This period lasts for a total of seven months , and you must apply for Medicare coverage during this period to avoid having to pay late enrollment penalties. The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month.
What happens after you enroll in Medicare?
After enrolling in Medicare, you will receive your Medicare identification card so that you can use it to receive healthcare coverage at a variety of different facilities across the United States. Since Medicare is a government-run entity, applications for insurance coverage are handled by the Social Security Administration.
How many months are you eligible for Medicare?
The seven months encompass the three months prior to your birthday, your birth month, and the three months following your birth month. You are able to apply for Medicare in a few different ways. If you prefer to apply in person, you can do so at your local Social Security office.
Is Medicare dependent on Social Security?
Unlike Social Security benefits, Medicare eligibility is not dependent on retirement. However, if you are already receiving Social Security benefits at the age of 65, you will automatically be enrolled in Medicare. It is important to note that even if you are automatically enrolled in Part A and Part B, you still must apply to Part D separately ...
Does Medicare cover prescription drugs?
Original Medicare encompasses both Part A and Part B. At the time you apply for Original Medicare, you also have the ability to sign up for Medicare Part D coverage, which covers prescription drugs.
How to request a replacement SSA card?
Applicants requesting a replacement card fill out the online form and send it electronically to SSA. SSA uses the highest commercially available encryption to ensure that a beneficiary’s confidential information is secure as it travels over the Internet.
What is the SSA retirement planner?
In May, President Clinton unveiled SSA’s new online retirement planner – an electronic service to help Americans better prepare for their financial future. The Social Security Retirement Planner allows individuals to compute estimates of their future Social Security retirement benefits online at SSA’s Internet website.
When did the Social Security newsletter come out?
SSA’s first Social Security e-news newsletter went out on March 1.
Where is my Medicare number?
Your Medicare number is located on your red, white, and blue Medicare card. Additionally, paperwork and documentation from the Social Security Administration and Medicare shows the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier. Otherwise, you should be able to go to your local Social Security Administration or Medicare office.
What does a Medicare card say?
It states your name and sex. The card also lists whether a person has coverage under Part A and Part B , as well as the date coverage started for each. Prior to use, you must sign your Medicare card.
How long does it take for Medicare to arrive?
Your Medicare card should arrive in the mail 30 days after your request for a new one was received. The Social Security office will mail this card to the address you have listed on file. Surely keep Social Security updated with any changes to your address or personal information.
How long does it take to get a proof of Medicare?
Following the request, this letter usually arrives within 10 days as opposed to the 30 days needed to send you a new card.
What is a beneficiary's Medicare number?
A beneficiary’s Medicare number is used to identify them for claims and billing purposes. Moreover, an emergency health situation can only be simplified by keeping the red, white, and blue, Medicare card within reach.
