how do u get a medicare card

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

How long does it take to get your Medicare 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 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 …

Why have I not received my 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 can I get my own medicare card?

Here’s How to Get a Medicare Card Your Medicare card – when to expect it. If you are already receiving retirement benefits: If you are already receiving... Applying for a Medicare card. Online through the Social Security website. By calling Social …

How to get Medicare number without card?

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. If you can’t or prefer not to use the online service: Call us at 1-800-772-1213 ( TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.; or Contact your local Social Security office.

Does everyone get a 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.

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.

How long does it take to get Medicare card?

If you're the only person listed on the Medicare card, you'll be the contact person for the card. We'll send your card in 3 to 4 weeks. You can use a digital copy of your Medicare card as soon as you enrol. You'll need to sign into the Express Plus Medicare mobile app to use it.Feb 24, 2022

Can I get a replacement Medicare card at my local Social Security office?

If you can't use the online request to get a replacement Medicare card, or if you prefer, call Social Security's toll-free number, 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). Our representatives will be glad to help you. You can also visit one of our local Social Security offices.Aug 27, 2015

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.

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.)

What age do I need my own Medicare card?

15 or olderyou're 15 or older. you're only on one Medicare card. your current Medicare card has other people on it. you want your own Medicare card with just your name on it.

How do you get a Medicare card when you turn 18?

Generally, young people can get their own Medicare card by visiting a Medicare office or call Medicare on 13 20 11.

Can I stay on my parents Medicare card?

You can get your own Medicare card from the age of 15, although you can stay on your family's Medicare card until you decide to get your own card. There are detailed instructions on how to enrol in Medicare on the Medicare website.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

What to Know About Your Medicare Card

Medicare will send your card in the mail along with your Welcome to Medicare packet. Click here to see a sample of the red, white, and blue Medicare card.

How Do You Avoid Medicare Fraud From a Lost or Stolen Card?

Medicare fraud happens when false claims or misrepresentations of fact result in a Federal health care payment that should not have occurred. If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, someone may try to commit fraud by submitting a claim with your information to get paid for services that were never provided.

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.

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.