Get Your Medicare Card by Mail
Is it in the mail? Sure. At least, that’s what they told you. A lot of other people heard the same thing. But, as we all know, things can happen with the mail. Some people never receive their Medicare cards in the mail and need to request replacement cards even though they’ve never even seen their Medicare cards.
Visit Your Local Social Security Office
Do I need to visit my Local Social Security Office? Visiting your local Social Security office isn’t normally the most convenient way to apply for Medicare card replacement, but it may be the best way to get proof that you’re covered by Medicare if you need to present such evidence immediately to a health service provider.
Gather Your Credentials
How else can I get proof that I’m covered by Medicare? If you’re in a hurry to get proof of your Medicare enrollment, you can request it by calling 1-800-772-1213 toll-free. To avoid complications, you should know your Medicare number when you call.
Ordering Your Replacement Medicare Card Online
Making a request for a new card online is the easiest way for most people to get a new Medicare card. The process is simple and the website is secure. Visit the Social Security Administration’s Replace a Medicare Card page and fill out the online application for a replacement card.
Reducing The Risk of a Stolen Medicare Card
In an effort to reduce the risk of theft, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began issuing new Medicare cards with the SSNs removed. This initiative started in April 2018 and it will continue until April 2019, which is when all Medicare cards have been effectively replaced.
Replacing A Stolen Original Medicare Card
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, if your Original Medicare card is stolen, lost, or destroyed, you should sign into your online Social Security account, select the “Replacement Documents” tab, and choose the “Mail my replacement Medicare Card” option.
Railroad Retirement Board Medicare Card Replacement
If you receive Medicare benefits through the U.S. Railroad Retirement Board (RRB), you can request a new card with this agency by completing an online request form. This form requires that you share your:
What To Do If Your Medicare Advantage Card Is Stolen
In the event that you have Medicare Advantage—a Medicare plan offered through a private insurance provider—you will need to contact your insurance provider directly and let them know that your card has been stolen.
Additional Medicare Card Protection Advice
Medicare.gov offers additional advice that can be helpful when it comes to adequately protecting your Medicare card. This includes not revealing your Medicare card information to anyone who requests it via phone, email, or in person. Instead, the only people you should give this information to are the following:
When will my Medicare card arrive?
As mentioned, the process of applying for Medicare can vary depending on your particular situation and how you qualify for Medicare. This will affect the timing of when your Medicare card arrives in the mail as well.
I need a Medicare replacement card
If your Medicare card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can replace a Medicare card through the Social Security Administration or Railroad Retirement Board.
I need a replacement Medicare card sooner than 30 days
In some cases, you may need a Medicare replacement card sooner (for example, if you need proof of coverage for a doctor appointment that’s coming up or to fill a prescription). Social Security (or the RRB) can provide a letter that you can use as temporary proof of Medicare coverage.
