what do i do until i get my new medicare card

If you’re not in a position to wait 30 days for your new card to arrive, please visit your local Social Security office

or call 1-800-772-1213, Monday to Friday, 7 AM—7 PM. (TTY users 1-800-325-0778) Until you receive a new Medicare card, you can use the mail provided by the agency as proof of Medicare eligibility.

Full Answer

What to expect when you receive your new Medicare card?

You’ll have to manually apply for Medicare if:

• You live in Puerto Rico. You may get automatically enrolled in Part A as described above, but you’ll need to sign up for Part B.
• You aren’t receiving retirement benefits yet.
• You have end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Who do I call to get a new 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. ...
• By visiting your local Social Security office.

When will you get your new 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 the request. If you need to know your new Medicare number now, you have some options.

How do I get a replacement for my Medicare card?

You can get a replacement Medicare card by logging in to your Social Security or Medicare account or calling for help. 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.

Do Medicare cards get automatically?

You can automatically get your Medicare card when you are enrolled in Medicare. Learn more about Medicare enrollment. If you qualify for Medicare through age, you will receive your Medicare card in the mail 3 months before your 65th birthday.

How do I get my Medicare number before my card arrives?

You can sign in to see your Medicare Number or print an official copy of your card. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY users can call 1-877-486-2048. There might be a problem that needs to be corrected, like updating your mailing address.

Do they send out new Medicare cards?

You're getting a new Medicare card! Between April 2018 and April 2019, we'll be removing Social Security numbers from Medicare cards and mailing each person a new card. This will help keep your information more secure and help protect your identity.

Are we supposed to get new Medicare cards 2021?

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.

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.

How long does it take to receive Medicare card?

Getting your Medicare card The contact person could be you or someone else listed on the 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.

Did not receive new Medicare card?

If you don't get your card, you can ask for a new one by: using your Medicare online account through myGov. the Express Plus Medicare mobile app. calling the Medicare program.

Can I print my new Medicare card online?

To print your Medicare card, you actually need to log in to a completely different online account at www.medicare.gov. Once logged in, you'll see a section titled “What do you want to do?”. Click on “Print my Medicare card”. The next page will prompt you to re-enter your online password.

Does Medicare call and ask for your Medicare number?

Medicare will never call you! Medicare may need information from you or may need to reach you; but, they'll NEVER call. You'll get a letter that will notify you of the necessary information that Medicare needs. Long story short, if the calls you're receiving claim to be from Medicare, it's a spam call.

Is Medicare changing their cards for 2022?

15 through Dec. 7, the more than 63 million Medicare beneficiaries can pick a new Medicare Part D drug plan, a new Medicare Advantage plan, or switch from Original Medicare into a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa. Any coverage changes made during this period will go into effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Does your Medicare card ever expire?

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.

Can I laminate my Medicare card?

You'll definitely want to take good care of your Medicare card – don't lose track of it, and keep it in good condition. However, the Social Security Administration doesn't recommend laminating important identification cards because the plastic coating may interfere with the card's security features.

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...

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 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 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.

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.

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.

When will Medicare cards be released?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that new Medicare cards would be delivered to all Medicare recipients between April 2018 and April 2019. A new identification card will be delivered to anyone who receives Medicare benefits.

What does a new Medicare card look like?

The new Medicare card will look similar to your old one , but there are differences. The new card will still be red, white, and blue, but will show a unique identification number instead of your Social Security number. Your effective dates for Part A and/or Part B will still be printed on the front of the card.

Why is Medicare card made of paper?

The new Medicare card is made of paper to make it easier for medical providers to use and copy. Many Medicare recipients have wondered if they can do something to protect it from damage. Pulling your card in and out of your wallet can certainly take its toll. The paper may start to shred and fade over time.

Do you have to update your address for Medicare?

New Medicare cards are being sent out automatically to everyone who receives Medicare benefits. You do not have to do anything as long as your address is current. If you need to update your address, visit your MySocialSecurity account.

Can you laminate a Social Security card?

The paper may start to shred and fade over time. Although it is not illegal to laminate your card , the Social Security administration advises against it. Laminating the card may prevent built-in security features of the card from being recognized. Instead, consider buying a plastic card holder to keep it intact.

What to do if my Medicare card doesn't work?

If that doesn’t work, call the Medicare hotline at 800-633-4227. Officials there can tell you whether there might be a problem, such as a wrong mailing address. In the meantime, you can continue to use your old Medicare card.

Where are Medicare cards now?

Cards are now in the mail to beneficiaries in Alaska, American Samoa, Arkansas, California, Guam, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota and Wisconsin. New Medicare members will receive the new version of the card as soon as they sign up, ...

What is Medicare ID?

The new Medicare ID has been redesigned to prevent fraud and includes an 11-character, randomly assigned identifier, instead of a Social Security number. If you live in the first group of states whose new Medicare cards have been mailed, but you haven’t received yours, federal officials offer instructions you can follow to track down your card.

What is the identifier for Social Security?

The ID, which has been redesigned to prevent fraud, is still red, white and blue, but instead of a Social Security number, the identifier is an 11-character, randomly assigned number that has no connection to an enrollee’s personal information.