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.
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 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 you lose or damage your Medicare card, you can obtain a replacement card from Social Security one of the following ways: 1. Log into your MyMedicare.gov account. If you do not have a MyMedicare account, sign up now. 2.
What is the Medicare card number?
Take your card with you when you travel, and have it handy when you call about a Medicare claim. Note: CMS began using cards displaying the 1-800-Medicare number. If you have a card that shows something different, it is still valid and can be used to get medical care.
What time do you need to get a replacement Medicare card?
Sunday: 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. Holidays: 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. If you need proof right away that you have Medicare, contact your local Social Security Office or call the toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213. The people there can give you proof that you can use until you get your replacement Medicare card.
Do you have to show your Medicare card when you get married?
Show your card whenever you get medical care. This will assure that a claim for payment is sent to Medicare. Make sure to use your exact name and claim number. If you are married, your spouse will have his or her own card and claim number.
When will Medicare cards arrive?
If you qualify for Medicare because of disability, your Medicare card will arrive in the mail three months before your 25th month of disability benefits. Enter your zip code to find affordable Medicare Plans. Sign Up.
What is a Medicare card?
Your Medicare card is proof that you have Medicare health coverage and, as a beneficiary, is one of the most important documents you own. When you receive treatment you may be asked by your provider to show your Medicare card as proof of insurance. If you’re new to Medicare, you may be wondering how the process of requesting a Medicare card works.
When will Medicare be sent to my 65 year old?
Your Medicare card should be sent in the mail about three months before your 65th birthday.
When do you qualify for Medicare?
Most people qualify for Medicare when they turn 65, while some individuals may qualify at any age through disability or certain health conditions, such as end-stage renal disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease).
How long does it take to get a proof of Medicare?
Social Security (or the RRB) can provide a letter that you can use as temporary proof of Medicare coverage. This letter will be mailed to you in about 10 days; contact Social Security (or the RRB) to request this letter. If you can’t wait 10 days and need proof of Medicare coverage immediately, visit your local Social Security office ...
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.
When did the Social Security newsletter come out?
SSA’s first Social Security e-news newsletter went out on March 1.
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.
What is included in my Medicare card?
Besides your full name, your Medicare card includes your Medicare number as well as important information about the health insurance coverage to which you are entitled. This includes: 2. Medicare number —This is one of the most important pieces of information on your Medicare card. It’s what the billing department will use when it submits ...
What is a red white and blue Medicare card?
It acts as proof that you have Medicare health insurance, and it provides the starting date (s) of your coverage.
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.
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.
Where to keep a medical card if you don't want to go to the doctor?
If you don’t want to carry the card with you when you’re not going to the doctor, you should keep it in a safe place at home, such as a locked desk drawer or a fireproof safe. Be sure to put it back in the same place every time once you’re done using it.
Do you need a separate ID card for Medicare?
If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage (MA) Plan, you will receive a separate ID card. If your plan covers prescription drugs, your MA card will include that information too. You should use your MA card as your primary Medicare card, but you should still keep your Medicare card in a safe place.
Replacing your lost, stolen or damaged card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen or damaged, you can request a new card. You can do this by:
Replacing your expired card
We’ll send you a new card about 4 to 8 weeks before your current card expires. You don’t need to do anything. We’ll send it to the address we have for you.
Getting an extra card
Your family can get a second card with the same details. We provide an extra card when more than 1 family member needs a card. We can only issue 1 extra card.
